Chapter 8
The fourth time Regulus’s phone buzzed Sirius realized he probably hadn't updated his friends on whether or not he was alive. Careful not to wake Regulus he pulled his phone out of his pocket. He frowned at the locked screen but it only took a few guesses to figure out the password, Regulus’s birthday, very creative.
There were several notifications in a group called “Skittle Squad” and he clicked on it.
Pandora - Remember if you need anything I'm just a few minutes away
Babygirl - I'm not
Pandora - I think he knows that Barty
Pandora - Hey how's it going?
Pandora - You still alive?
Pandora - If you don't respond soon I'll call the police
Babygirl- I'm the police
Pandora - No?
Quickly reading through he typed out a message.
Depressed Emo - Hey this is Sirius, Regulus is fine. He's asleep right now, no need to call the police.
Depressed Emo - …. Why is that his name?
Babygirl - Because me
Depressed Emo - That sounds about right.
Pandora - Okay but how do I know he's not dead and you're just lying to us?
Boxed Bleach Bitch - Yeah Barty changes our names
Depressed Emo - Why's Pandora's name normal?
Babygirl - She scares me
Pandora - Hello? How do I know Reg is alive?
Depressed Emo - You don't I guess.
Pandora - …
Pandora - I'm going to call the police
Babygirl - I'm the police
Pandora - No you're not
Depressed Emo - Give me a minute to figure out how his phone works and I'll send you a picture.
Depressed Emo sent an attachment
Pandora - Aww, sleepy Reg
Pandora - Alright you're off the hook
Sirius rolled his eyes and set the phone aside. Regulus had shifted and settled practically on top of him which Sirius supposed was more comfortable for him but definitely was not for Sirius. Despite the discomfort he was in he had to smile.
It'd been so incredibly long since he'd seen Regulus, even longer since he'd seen him so comfortable. After a moment of though he realized he didn't think he'd even known without a doubt that Regulus was entirely safe. Regulus’s phone buzzed a few more times but he ignored it.
Very carefully Sirius shifted so he was in a slightly more comfortable position, leaning against the back of the couch with Regulus on his lap. Letting out a small sigh he set his head on Regulus’s shoulder and closed his eyes. Vaguely he wondered if Regulus would bail on him if he woke up but he let himself drift off.
It felt like only a few seconds later that he was woken up by someone poking his side repeatedly. He opened his eyes, blinking a few times before focusing on Regulus who was looking at him, eyes wide.
“There's people.” His voice was no louder than a hiss and Sirius raised his eyebrows. “There's people and I've been pretending to be asleep for like half an hour and I thought you'd wake up soon but you didn’t.” Sirius blinked again, then groaned.
“They're not going to kill you. By the way your friends texted you, Pandora was going to call the police.” Regulus looked alarmed.
“She didn't, did she? Oh fuck, where's my phone? Fuck, fuck, fuck.”
“It's on the table, take a breath.” Regulus scrambled off his lap and grabbed his phone, scrolling through his messages. “She didn't call the cops. It's fine.”
“Well good morning sleepy heads.” Regulus’s head snapped up looking slightly panicked but Sirius just rolled his eyes at James who was grinning at both of them.
“Fuck off Prongs. Don't you have work?”James hummed and studied Regulus for a moment.
“I do but I don't have to leave for a few more minutes. Peter's gone already and Remus is upstairs and… oh there's coffee in the kitchen!” The entire time he was speaking his eyes didn't leave Regulus and Sirius glared at him.
“James.” James glanced at Sirius innocently. “Go to work, would you?”
“Alright, alright. Well, have a good day.” He gave Regulus a smile. “I hope to see you around again.” If he wasn't mistaken Regulus’s cheeks went a light shade of pink at that and he marched over, grabbing James's arm, and dragged him to the door, hissing under his breath.
“You take your eyes off him and start to behave this instant. If you ever have the audacity to stand right in front of me and check out my baby brother ever again I will make sure you never see again.” James just grinned, clearly not properly terrified by the threat.
“Sure. See you.” Grabbing his keys James practically skipped out the door, leaving a very annoyed Sirius by the door. He headed back to find Regulus looking around hesitantly. He gave him a reassuring smile.
“I have some clothes that you can borrow so you're not wearing dirty ones. Come on.” Regulus followed him upstairs and to his room. “I'll be right back, okay?” Slipping into the room Sirius hurried over to his dresser. Remus, who had been sitting in bed on his laptop looked up.
“Last night was unexpected.” Shrugging he continued searching for clothes.
“Suppose so, yeah.” There was a moment of silence.
“So you two talked?” Even though it was hardly a question Sirius hummed in vague agreement. “How'd it go?”
“Well enough.” He went to slip back out the door but paused. “I will tell you what happened in a bit. I just need to process and figure things out.” Remus studied him.
“Alright. Let me know if you need anything.” Sirius hummed, walking back over to the bed.
“I need a kiss.” Laughing lightly Remus pulled him into a quick kiss. “I love you.” Remus smiled adoringly and gave him another kiss.
“I love you too. Now get out of here, I have work and your brother's waiting on you.” Sirius sighed.
“Caught between a rock and a hard place. You two better become friends so I don't have to choose between you.” Remus chuckled again and gave him a light shove. Sirius sent him one last grin before heading back out. Regulus had stayed in place and accepted the clothes.
“The bathrooms through that door. I'm going to get some breakfast ready, come on down when you're done.” Regulus hummed softly.
“Thank you.” Allowing a small smirk to flick across his face he overdramatically set a hand on his shoulder.
“Now, what kind of brother would I be if-”
“Oh shut it.” Laughing, Sirius headed downstairs and into the kitchen. True to James’s word there was a pot of coffee sitting on the counter and he poured himself a cup before pulling out bread and eggs. Humming to himself softly he started cooking, a small smile on his face.
“Your clothes smell like cigarettes.” He glanced up to see Regulus standing in the doorway. “And… vanilla.” Sirius chuckled.
“Observant. How do you like your eggs?” He shrugged slightly.
“I'm fine with whatever you like.” Humming he nodded and continued cooking.
“You going home?” Regulus let out a long breath.
“Yeah, I have work tonight and Pandora's started to complain she ‘misses me’.” Sirius let out a laugh and handed a plate of toast and eggs to Regulus.
“Well, you're not leaving without eating. Take a seat.” Him and Regulus sat at the table, eating in comfortable silence for a while.
“Do you need a ride or is Pandora still on her stakeout?” He shook his head.
“She went back after you told her I was asleep but I texted her a little bit ago. She's on her way.” Nodding, Sirius grabbed the empty plates and headed back to the kitchen.
“Do you know how far away she is?” There was silence for a moment.
“She's parked a street over.” Sirius hummed.
“Well then, I suppose I should return you to her shouldn't I? I'll grab my shoes and walk you over.” He walked back out of the kitchen and Regulus shook his head at him.
“That's not necessary, I can walk myself.” Sirius ignored his objection, heading to the door.
“Of course you can but that doesn't mean I'm going to let you.” Letting out a little annoyed noise Regulus stood and followed him. “Don't forget your clothes.” He hesitated.
“I should change back.” Sirius shook his head firmly.
“Absolutely not, those clothes are my insurance.”
“Insurance?” He nodded.
“This way you have something of mine on you and that gives you a reason to agree to show up again. And in the worst case scenario I can report you for theft.” Regulus raised his eyebrows, clearly humored.
“You'd report me for theft?” He hummed agreement and Regulus chucked. “Well then I'll have to return these.” He grabbed his clothes from a chair and followed Sirius back to the door.
“That's the point, so yeah.” Chuckling they slipped on their shoes and headed out the door. “So, where's this Pandora parked at?” Regulus checked his phone then pointed down the street.
“That way. She's got a Jeep.” Sirius nodded and headed down the street, leaning into Regulus ever so slightly.
“So. I trust I'll see you again?” He chuckled lightly.
“Seeing as you threatened to report me for theft if you don't I suppose you'll have to.” Laughing, Sirius lightly shoved him.
“You know what I mean.” Regulus waved at a jeep across the road before answering.
“Yeah. You'll see me again.” Sirius smiled.
“Good.” He wrapped Regulus in a quick hug. “Text me when you get home safe, okay?” Regulus pulled away to roll his eyes.
“I am a functioning adult you know.”
“Sure.” They were quiet for a moment before Regulus pursed his lips.
“Well, I should go.”
“Okay.” Quickly he turned and ran across the road, climbing into the passenger seat of the jeep. Sirius stood there until the car pulled away and for several minutes after. Finally he sighed and headed back to the apartment. Before he opened the door his phone buzzed and he pulled it out of his pocket.
Maybe you can come by my place someday soon
To get your clothes back of course