The market was in full swing, the smell of fresh produce and sizzling meats filling the air. Regulus Black, or Reg as he preferred, stood behind his family's vegetable stall, expertly arranging a pyramid of juicy tomatoes. His pale skin seemed almost translucent in the morning light, and his curly black hair was tied back in a neat ponytail. Despite his elegant features, Reg's expression was a master class in disdain, as if the very presence of the market's patrons was an affront to his refined sensibilities.
Across the way, James Potter was holding court at his butcher's stall, charming the customers with his easy smile and quick wit. His muscular arms flexed as he expertly trimmed a cut of beef, and his glasses slipped down his nose, giving him a endearingly bookish look. Reg watched him with a mixture of annoyance and fascination, his eyes narrowing as James laughed and joked with the crowd.
As the morning wore on, Reg found himself growing increasingly irritated with James' relentless cheeriness. Didn't the man ever get tired of smiling? Reg's own expression grew darker, his eyes flashing with a hint of challenge whenever James caught his eye. It was a game they'd played for weeks now, a silent battle of wills that neither of them seemed willing to concede.
As the morning rush subsided, James caught Reg's eye and flashed him a mischievous grin. Reg's scowl deepened, but he couldn't help the faintest flicker of interest. What was James playing at now?
James began to expertly wrap a string of sausages, his hands moving with a practiced ease that Reg couldn't help but notice. "Hey, Reg! How's business?" James called out, his voice carrying across the market.
Reg muttered under his breath, but James just chuckled and said, "What was that, love? Didn't quite catch it." He raised an eyebrow, daring Reg to repeat himself.
Reg's face flushed with annoyance, but he refused to take the bait. Instead, he turned his attention to arranging a display of fresh herbs, his fingers moving with a precision that belied his growing irritation.
James watched him for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face. Then, he went back to wrapping his sausages, whistling a tune as he worked.
As the morning wore on, the market began to bustle with more customers. Reg's stall was popular, and he found himself busy arranging purchases and making change. James, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying himself, laughing and joking with the crowd.
At one point, Reg looked up to see James holding out a perfectly wrapped sausage, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Hey, Reg! I've got a special deal for you," James called out, his voice dripping with amusement.
Reg's eyes narrowed, his grip on the coins in his hands tightening. What was James up to now?
"Shut up, Potter, I'm busy." He said, annoyance filled his tone, as he gave the change to the customer, not bothering putting on a pleasant expression.
James chuckled, seemingly undeterred by Reg's hostility. "Oh, come on, Reg! Don't be like that," he said, holding out the sausage again. "I've got a special deal just for you. Buy one sausage, get one free!"
Reg's expression turned even darker, his eyes flashing with irritation. "I don't want your sausage, Potter," he spat, his voice low and even. "And even if I did, I wouldn't take it from you."
James' grin faltered for a moment, but then he recovered, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, Reg, you're so predictable," he said, shaking his head. "I'll just leave it here, then. Maybe you'll change your mind." And with that, he placed the sausage on the edge of Reg's stall, giving him a cheeky wink before turning back to his own customers.
Regulus eyed the sausage and decided to ignore it, as soon as he's finished with the last customer, he hastily moved towards the back of the stall, just in time to meet with his brother, Sirius. "It's your turn now, I'm tired." He said, then shoved the apron harshly towards his brother's arms. Sirius raised an eyebrow at him, but before he can say anything, Regulus left the market.
James, still unaware that Regulus had left, flashed Sirius a charming smile. "Hey, Reg! You know, I've been thinking... you're looking particularly handsome today," he said, his voice low and flirtatious.
Sirius' eyes widened in surprise, but then he burst out laughing. "Wow, James, if I wasn't already infatuated with my favorite customer, I'd actually consider dating you," he said, chuckling.
James looked taken aback, his face flushing with realization. "Wait, you're... Sirius!" he exclaimed, his eyes darting to the apron, which was slightly askew on Sirius' lanky frame.
James' face turned bright red as he realized his mistake. "Oh, bloody hell," he muttered, shaking his head. "I'm so sorry, Sirius. I didn't mean to... ah, flirt with you."
"James, it's fine, I don't mind flirting with you." Sirius winked, James chuckled and they exchanged small talks since a lot of customers are piling up to both of their stalls.
As they chatted, James couldn't help but sneak glances at Sirius, who was expertly juggling multiple customers at once.
Regulus was storming through the streets, his mind reeling with annoyance. He couldn't believe James had tried to flirt with him... again.
As the day wore on, the market began to wind down. James and Sirius exchanged pleasantries as they packed up their respective stalls. Regulus, still in a huff, reappeared to help Sirius with the cleanup.
Sirius raised an eyebrow at his brother's scowling face. "Rough day, Reg?" he asked, chuckling.
Regulus muttered under his breath, but Sirius just laughed and clapped him on the back. "Don't mind James, he's just trying to get a rise out of you," he said, winking.
James, overhearing the conversation, grinned mischievously. "Hey, someone's got to keep things interesting around here," he said, chuckling.
Regulus shot him a withering look, but Sirius just laughed and shook his head. "You two are something else," he said, chuckling.
"I certainly don't need you bothering me every time you've got a chance." Regulus spat as he grumpily put a few broccoli into their containers.
"Oh come on love, you act like you hate it, but you secretly love it." James grinned as he got closer to their stall and put an arm around Sirius, who watched the interaction with fascination.
"Shut up, Potter." Regulus glared at James.
James grinned mischievously. "Make me" he purposely lowered his voice that made Regulus' shiver.
Slowly, Regulus turned around, secretly pocketing a duct tape behind, he walked towards James, who now stood awaiting, Sirius slipped off his arms to stack the crates.
Regulus smiled sweetly at James who blushed in return. They are inches apart now, one move and they'd be kissing, James awaits, Regulus raised his hands to cradle James' face before putting the duct tape on his mouth.
James' eyes widened in surprise as he felt the duct tape being slapped over his mouth. He tried to speak, but all that came out was a muffled mmmph.
Regulus stepped back, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. "That's better," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction.
Sirius burst out laughing, holding his sides as he doubled over. "Oh, Reggie, you're mean!" he exclaimed, wiping tears from his eyes.
James, still trying to speak, glared at Regulus, his eyes flashing with indignation. He tried to rip the duct tape off, but Regulus had applied it too well.
Regulus, still smiling, turned back to his brother. "Let's get out of here, Sirius. I've had enough of Potter's nonsense for one day."
***
Regulus stretched languidly, enjoying the rare luxury of sleeping in. With Sirius handling the stall, he could indulge in a lazy morning, free from the chaos of the market.
As he lounged in bed, Regulus' thoughts inadvertently drifted to James Potter. His expression darkened, and he let out a low growl. Why did that insufferable boy keep invading his thoughts?
Regulus tossed off his covers and got out of bed, determined to shake off the annoyance. He began to get dressed, his movements swift and agitated.
Regulus arrived at the meeting spot, looking forward to a relaxing day with his friends. But as soon as Barty and Evan laid eyes on him, they burst out laughing.
"Reg, what are you wearing?" Barty asked, chuckling.
"Clothes," Regulus replied, raising an eyebrow. "What are you wearing?"
Barty grinned mischievously. "The appropriate attire."
Evan chimed in, "We're going rock climbing."
Regulus' face fell. "Fuck you, I wasn't informed."
Evan shrugged. "We texted you. You hung up the phone before letting us finish."
Regulus scowled. "Oh, fuck off."
Barty clapped him on the back. "Don't worry, I brought extra gear. You can borrow some proper clothes."
Regulus' eyes narrowed, but he knew he was beat. He reluctantly followed Barty and Evan to the rock climbing spot, grumbling under his breath.
As the morning wore on, Regulus, Barty, and Evan continued to climb and joke around. They took breaks to grab snacks from the gym's café and tease each other about their climbing skills.
Regulus was actually having a decent time, despite his initial reluctance. Maybe it was the exercise, or maybe it was just the company, but he was starting to relax and enjoy himself.
As they prepared to leave, Barty turned to Regulus with a mischievous grin. "You know, Reg, you're not as terrible at this as I thought you'd be."
Regulus raised an eyebrow. "Thanks, I think."
Evan chuckled. "Yeah, maybe we'll make a climber out of you yet."
Regulus just rolled his eyes, laughing.
The day wore on, Regulus, Barty, and Evan continued to hang out, grabbing lunch and wandering around the market. But eventually, Sirius texted Regulus to take over the stall, and Evan headed home, leaving just Barty and Regulus.
Barty tagged along with Regulus to the stall, happy to just chill with his friend. Regulus got to work, restocking shelves and helping customers.
But in the chaos of taking over the stall, Regulus forgot to change into his usual clothes. He was still wearing the shorts and tank top from rock climbing.
Barty snickered as he leaned against the stall, eyeing Regulus' outfit. "You know, Reg, you look like a completely different person in those clothes."
Regulus shot him a wry glance. "Shut up."
Just as Regulus was starting to get into the rhythm of running the stall, he looked up to see James Potter standing across from him, a charming smile spreading across his face.
Regulus' eyes narrowed, his heart sinking. Not again.
"Hey, Reg," James said, from across his stall. "Looking good today."
Regulus raised an eyebrow, trying to appear nonchalant despite the fact that James was making his heart skip a beat. "Just selling some stuff, James."
James leaned against the stall, his eyes locked on Regulus' face. "You know, I never noticed how nice your eyes are when you're not scowling at me."
Regulus felt his face heat up, and he quickly looked away, trying to hide his blush. Barty, who was still lounging against the stall, snickered loudly.
"Shut up, Barty," Regulus muttered.
A customer walked up and started examining the produce. She reached out and pinched the ends of the eggplants.
"Hey, please don't pinch the eggplants, ma'am," Regulus said politely.
The woman looked up, startled, and smiled. "Oh, okay."
She bought a few items and left, and Regulus let out a sigh of relief.
But then, James Potter called out to him, a charming smile spreading across his face.
"Hey, Reg, you can pinch my eggplant anytime," James said, winking at Regulus.
Regulus' eyes narrowed. "You don't even have an eggplant."
James smirked. "Oh, I think I do."
Regulus' face heated up with anger. "You're fucking disgusting."
James chuckled and leaned against his stall, his eyes locked on Regulus' face.
"Come on, Reg, lighten up. I'm just joking around."
Regulus scowled, trying to hide his flushing face. Barty, who was still lounging against the stall, snickered loudly.
"Shut up, Barty," Regulus muttered, trying to compose himself.
***
It was 9pm, Regulus was lazily propped up against his bedframe reading a book when Sirius stormed into this room, sporting a mischievous grin.
This can't be good. He thought to himself, with a sigh, he bookmarked the page of the book he was reading and faced his brother.
"What do you want?" He said with a sigh.
"I heard from a little birdie that you, my dear baby brother, flexed your.... assets, earlier." Sirius said, sweetly, Regulus rolled his eyes.
"Did Barty tell you that? Sirius, I didn't mean to do that alright!"
"Oh no no, I don't talk to that friend of yours, I was talking to James, and apparently, you attracted a lot of customers, so–" Sirius grinned.
"No." Regulus cut him off before he can even finish that sentence.
"You didn't even let me finish!" Sirius whined.
"I already know what is it, so no."
"But come on, it'll be fun!"
"Why don't you do it then?" Regulus raised an eyebrow, Sirius rolled his eyes and dramatically flung himself to Regulus' bed.
"I can't do that, even if I wanted to! My favorite customer will think I'm a slut."
"You are a slut, tho."Regulus deadpanned.
"Yeah, but he can't know that, I'm only a slut for him."
"You don't even know his name!" Regulus argued.
"Remus." Sirius mumbled.
"What?"
"Remus. Remus is his name." Sirius smiled like an idiot.
"And how did you know that?"
"Peter."
"The cheese guy?"
"Yes."
Regulus raised an eyebrow. "You're getting information about your crush from the cheese guy?"
Sirius shrugged. "Peter knows everything. And besides, he's a good source."
Regulus snorted. "Yeah, right. I'm sure Peter just wanted to see you make a fool of yourself."
Sirius grinned. "Maybe. But I'm willing to take that risk. Now, about tomorrow's stall..."
Regulus groaned, knowing that Sirius was going to bring up the modeling idea again. "No, Sirius. Absolutely not."
But Sirius just winked at him. "We'll see about that, baby brother."
Regulus scowled, knowing that Sirius was not going to give up easily. He tried to focus on his book again, but Sirius was relentless.
"Come on, Reg," Sirius said, bouncing up and down on the bed. "It'll be fun, I promise. And think of all the customers we'll attract."
Regulus sighed and closed his book. "Sirius, I'm not going to parade around in front of a bunch of strangers just to sell some vegetables."
But Sirius just grinned. "Oh, I don't know, Reg. You'd make a pretty great vegetable model. Just think about it, okay?"
Regulus rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help but laugh at Sirius's antics. He knew that his brother was just trying to help, even if his methods were a bit unorthodox.
"Fine," Regulus said finally. "I'll think about it. But no promises, okay?"
Sirius whooped in triumph and threw his arms around Regulus. "That's all I can ask for, baby brother," he said, grinning.
Regulus laughed and pushed Sirius away. "Get out of here, you idiot," he said, smiling.
Sirius grinned and bounded out of the room, leaving Regulus to wonder what he had just gotten himself into.
***
What did Regulus gotten himself into? Why was he here? At 9am in a crop top that shows off his slim waist and shorts that could be mistaken as boxers? With James fucking Potter grinning at him from across the stall?
Regulus' mind was a jumbled mess of questions and doubts as he stood behind the stall, trying to make sense of his surroundings. He had vaguely remembered Sirius convincing him to participate in some sort of "vegetable promotion" the night before, but he had no idea it would involve dressing up in such ridiculous attire.
And to make matters worse, James Potter was standing across from him, looking infuriatingly handsome and charming as he chatted with the customers. Regulus could feel James's eyes on him, making him squirm with discomfort.
Regulus just rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, but James just grinned and winked at him. "Come on, Reg! Lighten up!"
James continued to chat with his customers, but his eyes kept drifting back to Regulus. He loved teasing him, loved seeing the flush rise to his cheeks.
As the morning wore on, the market started to get busier. Regulus and James were soon slammed with customers, and their banter had to take a backseat to making sales.
But even as they worked, James couldn't help sneaking glances at Regulus. He looked so adorable in his green top, his hair mussed from the heat.
Regulus, for his part, was trying to ignore James. But it was hard, when James was being so...James.
As the lunch rush subsided, James called out, "Hey, Reg! Want to take a break and grab some lunch?" Regulus hesitated, unsure if he wanted to spend more time with James.
Regulus hesitated, unsure if he wanted to spend more time with James, but his stomach was growling. "Fine," he said finally. "But don't think this means I'm going to start enjoying your company."
James grinned. "I wouldn't dream of it, Reg."
They closed up their stalls and walked to a nearby café, the tension between them palpable.
As they waited in line, James leaned in close, his voice low. "You know, Reg, I've been thinking... maybe we could call a truce."
Regulus raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think I'm interested in a truce?"
James smiled, his eyes glinting. "Oh, I think you're more interested than you let on."
Regulus' heart skipped a beat. Was James flirting with him again? And why did the idea send a thrill through him?
Regulus looked away, trying to compose himself. "I'm not interested in anything you have to offer, James."
James chuckled. "Oh, Reg. You're so predictable. I love it."
They ordered their lunch and sat down at a small table, the silence between them a little awkward.
James broke the silence, asking Regulus about his day, his customers, his plans for the future. Regulus found himself opening up, despite his initial reluctance.
As they finished their lunch and prepared to head back to the market, James reached out and touched Regulus' arm. "Thanks for lunch, Reg. I had a great time."
Regulus felt a jolt of electricity at the touch, and quickly pulled his arm away. "Don't get too excited, James. It was just lunch."
James grinned. "I wouldn't dream of it."
As they walked back to the market, Regulus couldn't shake the feeling that James was still flirting with him. He tried to brush it off, but he couldn't deny the butterflies in his stomach.
When they returned to their stalls, Regulus was relieved to see a line of customers waiting for him. He threw himself into his work, trying to focus on the task at hand.
But James was never far away, calling out jokes and teasing Regulus mercilessly. Regulus rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help smiling.
As the day drew to a close, Regulus was exhausted but exhilarated. He had made a good profit, and he had even enjoyed himself.
As he was packing up his stall, James strolled over, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Hey, Reg. Want to grab dinner with me tonight?"
Regulus' heart skipped a beat. Was James asking him out on a date?
Regulus raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Dinner? With you? No thanks, James."
James chuckled, unfazed. "Ah, come on Reg. I promise I won't bite... unless you want me to."
Regulus rolled his eyes, feeling a familiar flush rise to his cheeks. "You're impossible, James."
James grinned. "That's why you love me, Reg."
Regulus scoffed. "I don't love you, James. I barely even tolerate you."
James laughed. "Same difference."
James winked at Regulus and said, "I'll see you tomorrow, Reg. Maybe then you'll finally agree to dinner with me."
Regulus shook his head, smiling despite himself. "I wouldn't count on it, James."
James chuckled and sauntered off, whistling a jaunty tune as he disappeared into the crowd.
Regulus watched him go, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over him. He wasn't sure why James' flirting bothered him so much, but he was determined to resist his charms.
As he finished packing up his stall, Regulus couldn't shake the feeling that James would be back, and soon. And he wasn't sure if he was ready for that.
***
Regulus flopped onto his bed, exhausted from the day's events. He was about to drift off to sleep when he heard a familiar knock at the door.
"Come in," Regulus called out, not bothering to get up.
The door burst open and Sirius tumbled in, a mischievous grin on his face. "Hey, Reg! How was your day?"
Regulus let out a deep sigh. "It was fine, Sirius. Just the usual market stuff."
Sirius plopped down beside Regulus on the bed. "Oh, come on! Tell me everything! Did anything exciting happen?"
Regulus hesitated, but then his frustration with James boiled over. "Actually, yes. James was being his usual, annoying self. Flirting with me nonstop, making a scene in front of all the customers... Ugh, I just can't stand him!"
Sirius' eyes lit up with amusement. "Oh, Reg, you're so easy to wind up! What did James do this time?"
Regulus scowled, launching into a detailed rant about James's antics. Sirius listened with a grin, chuckling and interjecting with the occasional teasing comment.
As Regulus ranted, he felt his frustration slowly dissipating, replaced by a sense of relief. It was nice to have someone to vent to, even if that someone was Sirius, who was just as likely to tease him as offer genuine sympathy.
Sirius' grin grew even wider, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Reg, you've got a crush on James?!?!"
Regulus' face turned bright red as he spluttered, "No! What made you think that?! I just...I just can't stand his arrogance, that's all!"
Sirius burst out laughing, nearly falling off the bed. "OHOHOHO! Stop denying it, Reg! You like him! That's why you hate him! I'm so telling Mum about this!"
Regulus' eyes went wide with horror as he grabbed Sirius's arm, his grip tight. "SIRIUS NO! I DON'T HAVE A CRUSH ON JAMES! You can't tell Mum, she'll never let me hear the end of it!"
Sirius just laughed harder, managing to gasp out, "This is priceless! Regulus Black, secretly in love with James...I've got to tell Mum about this!"
Regulus' face turned an even deeper shade of red as he tried to shake Sirius off. "SIRIUS, STOP IT! YOU'RE GOING TO GET ME KILLED!"
As they sat down to dinner, Sirius couldn't wait to share the juicy gossip. "Mum, Dad, you won't believe what I found out today," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Walburga and Orion exchanged a curious glance. "What is it, dear?" Walburga asked.
Sirius grinned. "Regulus has a crush on James!"
Regulus' face turned bright red as he spluttered, "I do not! That's ridiculous!"
Sirius teased, "Oh, come on, Reg! Don't be shy! We're all family here!"
Regulus denied it again, but Sirius continued to poke fun at him. Finally, Regulus threw up his hands. "Fine! James annoyed me today, okay? He was flirting with me nonstop and it was infuriating!"
The table fell silent, with Walburga and Orion exchanging a knowing glance. Then, to Regulus' surprise, they burst out laughing.
Walburga chuckled. "Oh, Regulus, you're so adorable when you're flustered!"
Orion added, "And James is a charming young man. I'm sure he didn't mean to upset you."
Regulus huffed, feeling his face grow even hotter. "It's not funny, Mum! Dad! James is just...infuriating!"
Orion leaned back in his chair, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Have you tried kissing him, Regulus?"
Regulus' eyes widened in horror. "NO!"
Walburga playfully rolled her eyes. "Orion, that's too straightforward, dear."
Sirius, however, was thoroughly entertained. "I would love to see it, though!"
Regulus threw up his hands, exasperated. "YOU'RE ALL INSANE! WHY WOULD I KISS JAMES??"
Walburga leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Don't listen to your father, hon. Listen to me. Flirt back."
Regulus raised an eyebrow. "Why would I?"
Walburga shrugged. "See if it stops?"
Regulus hesitated. "What if he doesn't?"
Walburga grinned. "Keep going."
Sirius whooped, pumping his fist in the air. "I am so loving this! Do it tomorrow, Reg!"
Regulus shook his head, laughing despite himself. "No!"
***
Regulus arrived at the market early, his family's teasing still echoing in his mind. He began arranging his stall, trying to focus on the day's sales.
Just as he finished, James strolled up, whistling casually. "Morning, Reg! Sleep well after yesterday's... lively conversation?"
Regulus felt his heart skip – Walburga's "flirt back" advice nagged him.
He looked up, attempting casual tone, but eyes locking onto James's smile.
Regulus said with a sly smile: "I dreamt of you, it was a nightmare."
James raised an eyebrow: "And how did I become a nightmare?"
Regulus leaned in, voice low and teasing "Let's just say some scenery adjustments would've made the dream... more interesting."
James' eyes sparkled with amusement as he took a step closer to Regulus, his voice low and playful, "Scenery adjustments, huh? Exactly what kind of adjustments did you have in mind, Regulus?"
Regulus' heart skipped a beat as James invaded his personal space, he swallowed hard before replying, "The kind that would make the dream less... clothed."
James' grin grew wider, his face inches from Regulus', his warm breath dancing across Regulus' skin, "Clothed was definitely overrated in my opinion too, Regulus..."
Regulus's lips parted slightly, eyes locked on James', his voice barely audible, "Why share opinions... when you could just show me?"
James' eyes fluttered closed, then snapped open, he was millimeters from Regulus' lips.
A cough from behind broke them out of their reverie. It was Sirius, Regulus just then realized what they were about to do, stepping back from James awkwardly, Regulus acted like it didn't happened.
"Yes Sirius?" He asked instead in neutral tone.
"I- uh... I should go... Open up my stall and i- uh... Bye! See you around?" James stuttered, it seems like his boldness earlier vanished. Regulus raised an eyebrow at him as he watched James scurry away.
Sirius whistled behind him, he faced his brother, raising an eyebrow, urging Sirius to tell what he wanted to say.
"What?" Regulus sighed exasperatedly.
"So you really took mum's advice eh?" Sirius smirked, Regulus sighed again and went back to gather more of their produce.
"Sure, Flirt back with James, see if he stops. Spoiler, he doesn't." Regulus grumbles, stacking the carrots rather harshly, Sirius chuckled at his brother's antics.
"Well, if you're going to ask me, I think this mission of yours failed successfully." Sirius shrugged, gathering an armful of cabbages.
"Failed successfully? What do you mean?" Regulus followed his brother up front, carrying the carrots.
"I mean, you took mum's advice, flirt back, you did, and it didn't make James stop, but you almost kissed if I hadn't come."
"Kiss James? In his dreams." Regulus scoffed.
"Uh-huh, well you two were quite...close." Sirius hummed. Regulus' cheeks turned bright red.
"Proximity doesn't mean intentions, Sirius." Regulus shrugged. It was still early in the morning, there aren't many people at the market yet.
"Keep telling yourself that Reg, your lips were parted, James was leaning in, and it looks like you were about to kiss." Sirius grinned, Regulus turned even redder than the tomatoes they have displayed. Across from them, James is his usual self, chirpy and bubbly, except, James couldn't look at him in the eye.
It only took 30 minutes for James to look up to Regulus' stall, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
James yelled loudly for crowd to hear, "Regulus Black – market king of perfectly arranged vegetables... and perfectly messy love life!"
Regulus' eyes narrow, then sparkle with
amusement – he yelled back, voice teasing, "James Potter – market regular of perfectly bad jokes... and perfectly obvious interest in said messy love life?"
James chuckles, takes a step closer, "Obvious interest? You wish, Black. Though your blush says otherwise."
Regulus smirks, voice dripping sarcasm, "Sun exposure, Potter. My skin merely appreciates the market views... not the view talking to me."
James grins wider, "Views lie, Regulus. Your eyes lingered....on me."
Regulus' eyes lock onto James', sparkles with banter, "Lingered to calculate how annoying you'd be today."
"Okay okay, enough, I've had enough of your flirting, do it another time," Sirius intervened, pushing Regulus' to the back, James chuckled and turned back to his customers.
"Hey!" Regulus glared at his brother, "What is your problem?"
"Shut up, go to the back, my customer is here..."
"Your customer?" Regulus said exasperatedly, but moved to back nonetheless, just then a slim figure walks up to their stall, Sirius' eyes lit up and grinned widely.
"Hi!" He greeted cheerfully, Regulus' back was turned so he didn't saw the figure, he and Sirius exchange pleasant greetings that Regulus doesn't care about, however, when he emerged, his eyes widened with recognition of the guy.
"Lupin?" Regulus mumbled, Lupin glanced at him and grinned.
"Black, didn't expect to see you here." He said, Regulus smiled, it's been a while since he last saw him.
"Well, yeah, it's our family's stall." Regulus shrugged, he can feel Sirius' glared from behind, he'll deal with him later.
"Oh yeah, by the way, have you finished reading the book I gave you?" Lupin asked, Regulus smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, I was planning on giving it to once the terms started again."
"Yeah, do tell me." Lupin urged.
"It was heart-wrenching." He said simply, Lupin chuckled at this.
"Well yeah, Achilles and Patroclus' love story is tragic."
"It took me weeks to recover!"
Regulus and Lupin exchange some small talks before Lupin has to go, when he turned around, his brother is fuming with anger.
Uh-oh, he's in some deep trouble.