III
There were a few things James was absolutely sure of. He had the best job in the world. The best family and the best friend he could ever wish for. His life was great. Very much so. And more than anything, he was sure that his relationship with Regulus couldn’t be better.
Yeah, James was certain—he had never felt this way for anyone else before. Regulus was everything he needed, everything he wanted—even the things he hadn’t realized he was missing until he had them.
Months had passed, yet James still felt the same rush he had that first day. The same way he’d felt when Regulus had walked into his garage, flashing that smile that had knocked the air from his lungs.
They saw each other almost every day, and on the rare nights they didn’t, they still ended up on the phone, talking until one or both of them drifted off to sleep.
James couldn’t ask for more. He didn’t need more. Regulus already gave him so much without even trying. And that’s exactly why he was now on the verge of a breakdown.
“I just don’t know what to do, Sirius,” James almost whined, hands buried deep in the engine of a sleek black BMW.
Sirius sighed and wordlessly handed him a wrench. “You’re overthinking this, mate.”
James shot him a glare. Not helpful. Not even a little.
“It’s our first Valentine’s Day!” he said, frustration clear in his voice. “The very first. I want to make it special for him. But what if I pick the wrong thing? What if I fuck it up?”
Sirius raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. “James. You two are practically joined at the hip. You know him better than I do, and I’m his brother.” His teasing smirk softened, and he rested a hand on James’ shoulder. “If there’s anyone who knows what he likes, it’s you. And honestly? No matter what you come up with, Regulus is going to love it.”
That was the thing. James knew Regulus would enjoy whatever he planned. He’d probably complain a little about being surprised, but in the end, he’d love it. James would get to see that beautiful smile again, and everything would fall into place, just as it should.
And Sirius was right—James did know his boyfriend. Every little quirk, every flaw, every sharp edge that, to him, only made Regulus more perfect.
Pressing his lips together, James gave a firm nod, more to himself than anyone else. He’d come up with something great. Something undeniably romantic. Something that would sweep Regulus off his feet. Something that would take his breath away.
~
A few days later, James burst into his garage, his voice loud enough to make Sirius flinch.
“So, I came up with something.”
Sirius scowled, rubbing his temple. “Good morning to you too, I guess? Is this still about your Valentine’s Day dilemma?”
Nodding eagerly, James moved to stand beside his friend. “Yeah! So, I thought about picking him up and taking him to this art gallery. They’re hosting a new exhibition, and from what I’ve seen online, it’s exactly the kind of thing Regulus would love.”
Sirius hummed in approval as James continued, practically bouncing on his feet.
“Then later, I’ll drive him to the park for a little stroll and a picnic—just like our first date! It’s brilliant! It’ll remind him of that day, our first time out together, our first kiss, and—”
Sirius held up a hand to stop the excited rambling. “The exhibition sounds great, but a picnic? In the middle of February? Don’t you think that might be a little too cold?”
James had thought of that. But with blankets—and the perfect excuse to stay close and cuddle—it was brilliant. And no one was going to talk him out of it.
“It’ll work! And afterward, we’ll head to my place, I’ll light some candles, and maybe—”
“If you say anything remotely filthy, I’ll kick your arse,” Sirius warned, though there was a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “See? You’ve got it all figured out. And don’t even try to tell me Regulus won’t swoon the second you pick him up.”
God, James hoped he would. He wanted to see Regulus smiling the whole day, that beautiful red tinting his cheeks. He wanted to see the shine in his eyes, to feel his small hand warm in his own.
Yes, Valentine’s Day was just a commercialized excuse for overpriced flowers and chocolates. It wasn’t even a real holiday. But it was their first. And James wouldn’t be James if he didn’t plan something. Because Regulus Black deserved the whole world—and if James could, he’d give it to him on a silver platter.
“Oh!” Sirius said, perking up. “The exhibition might have a Valentine’s Day discount for couples! They do that kind of thing, right? You should probably wait and buy tickets then.”
“You’re brilliant, mate!” James beamed at him, his excitement practically buzzing in the air.
This was going to be the best Valentine’s Day ever. For both of them. He could feel it already.
~
He was nervous. This wasn’t their first date. Not their second, or fifth, or even tenth. But this one had James buzzing with anxiety. What if he’d picked the wrong thing? What if Regulus hated it?
Oh God, what if Regulus really hated it?
They’d agreed not to do much today. Regulus didn’t even like Valentine’s Day.
What was James doing here? He should leave. Right now.
The paper box of chocolates crunched dangerously as he squeezed it in his hand.
“I’m such a—”
“James?”
Regulus’ voice alone was enough to stop James' world from spinning. Everything else faded, his focus narrowing to the beautiful boy standing in front of him.
James had wondered, more than once, how a single person could be this breathtaking.
Regulus, with his soft dark curls and fair skin. The little moles under his eye. The faint freckles dusting his cheekbones. He looked so good. Too good to be real.
James had to swallow the urge to pull him inside, take him upstairs, and hold him in his arms for the rest of the day.
Regulus stepped closer, eyeing the bouquet of roses and the box of dark pralines—the ones James knew he couldn’t get enough of.
“I thought we said no presents,” Regulus muttered, raising an eyebrow.
Unfair. Completely unfair how perfect he looked. The black coat hugged his frame just right, and James was at a loss.
“And I thought you knew me well enough to know I’d never show up empty-handed,” James countered, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Regulus’ even softer lips.
Regulus sighed against him, fingers curling into the lapels of James’ jacket.
“Ready to be swept off your feet?” James whispered, feeling the way Regulus’ mouth twitched into a smile.
“Alright then, Potter.” His voice was warm, teasing. “Impress me.”
James led Regulus to the passenger seat of his car, and Regulus smiled, a slender hand brushing over the red metal of its side.
“Hey, Lady,” he greeted the vehicle, making James chuckle.
He would never quite understand how easily Regulus accepted his love for cars—especially this one. How he treated it like she was their precious child. It had been Regulus who first called her Lady, and James had adored it ever since. Their Lady.
After setting the flowers and chocolates on the backseat, James started the engine and pulled out onto the road.
First stop: the art exhibition. Regulus had no idea. James had been determined to keep it a surprise, even though Regulus had tried—multiple times—to get it out of him. He’d almost cracked a few times, but he could actually be proud of himself for holding out. Regulus had some very convincing ways of getting what he wanted, but this time, James had won.
“How’s work been?” James asked, his eyes briefly flicking toward his gorgeous passenger before returning to the road.
Regulus sighed, his pink lips forming a natural pout—one that James would love to kiss away.
“Listen, I don’t know what it is, but usually our customers are at least somewhat bearable. With Valentine’s Day coming up? I just want to smack them all. And don’t even get me started on the ridiculous decorations and special drinks. No one needs that much pink in their life.”
James could listen to him rant forever. There was something so endearing about it. He grinned, and Regulus shot him a glare from the corner of his eye.
“So my misery amuses you now?” he scoffed, arms crossing over his chest. “Good to know.”
James chuckled. “I just think you’re damn cute right now. And I’m glad I get to brighten your mood. You deserve the very best day, love.”
Regulus shrunk a little in his seat, a light flush creeping onto his cheeks. He huffed, barely above a whisper.
“You and your sweet talk…”
Thankfully, the drive to the exhibition wasn’t long. The art gallery stood ahead of them, a grand old building of white stone, elegant and imposing. James had never been inside before, and while art wasn’t exactly his thing, seeing the wide-eyed excitement on Regulus’ face already made this worth it.
“Holy… James?” Regulus turned to him as soon as they parked. His voice was laced with disbelief. “Don’t tell me you got tickets? I tried, but they sold out within a few days.” A beautiful smile stretched across his face.
Wait.
James blinked, completely derailed by how damn mesmerizing Regulus looked when he smiled like that. It took him a few seconds to actually process what he’d just said.
“…It’s sold out?” he croaked.
Regulus frowned, confusion flickering in his grey eyes. “Yeah… it sold out pretty quickly.” A pause. “James, please tell me you have tickets.”
James opened his mouth. Closed it. Heat rushed to his cheeks in embarrassment as he looked down, biting his lip. “Sirius said there might be a Valentine’s Day sale… you know, for couples?”
A beat of silence. An agonizing, endless second before Regulus sighed and sank back in his seat. “You really need to stop believing everything my brother says. There’s no such thing.”
“Oh…”
James' stomach sank. The day had barely started, and he’d already failed him. He’d wanted this to be perfect. To make Regulus feel special. Instead, he couldn’t even get the first part right.
“Hey…” Regulus’ voice was soft, a warm hand settling on James’ arm. “It’s okay. Don’t tell me your brilliant mind only came up with this.”
James swallowed and forced a small smile. “No… there’s more.”
Regulus’ expression softened. “Then let’s forget about this and move on, hm? The day’s far from over.” He gave James’ bicep a small squeeze before pulling back, settling into his seat with an easy grace that James envied.
James’ hands tightened around the steering wheel, shaking slightly as he took a deep breath. Okay. This wasn’t ideal. It definitely hadn’t gone as planned. But Regulus was right—this wasn’t the end of the day. He still had something up his sleeve.
With a steadying exhale, he pulled out of the parking lot and back onto the road, heading to their next stop—much earlier than he’d intended. He had expected them to spend at least an hour or two at the exhibition, but it was fine. It’s not like he and Regulus didn’t know how to pass the time together.
Regulus took the lead in conversation, and James silently appreciated the effort—he knew Regulus was trying to keep him from spiralling into self-recrimination. He complained about insufferable customers at work, ranted about his incompetent coworker, and talked about his latest university assignments.
Then, with a casual ease that made James do a double take, he mentioned his brother’s mystery boyfriend—something James hadn’t even been aware of.
James blinked. “Wait—Sirius is seeing someone?”
Regulus smirked. “Apparently.”
James narrowed his eyes. “Huh. I definitely need to have a talk with my supposed best friend.”
Regulus just hummed knowingly, but James let the subject drop. He was grateful—grateful for the distraction, for Regulus’ voice filling the car, for the way the world felt less heavy when Regulus was beside him.
By the time they pulled into the park, James felt steadier.
Regulus glanced out the window before turning to him, one brow raised. “What are we doing here?”
James cleared his throat when his voice nearly cracked. “I, uh… I thought we could take a walk through the park. And later, maybe have a picnic?”
Regulus tilted his head.
“You know…” James hesitated before smiling a little.
“Like our first date?”, Regulus finished for him, and something shifted in his expression—something warm and soft. His lips curled into a knowing smile. “Only you would come up with a picnic in the middle of February.”
James snorted. “Your brother said the same thing. But I brought blankets! And if you get too cold, I’ll make sure to keep you warm.”
Regulus rolled his eyes fondly.
“Alright, lover boy,” Regulus teased, but then—oh fuck. He winked.
James nearly collapsed as Regulus was already reaching for the car door. “Let’s get to it then.”
James could only sit there for a second, watching him with something close to awe.
How the hell had he gotten this lucky?
How did he, of all people, get to call this incredible, frustrating, beautiful human his boyfriend?
Quickly, he climbed out as well, heading to the trunk to grab the picnic basket. It was packed with blankets, snacks, and drinks—everything he needed to make this day special.
As he straightened up, he cast a glance at the sky and frowned. Dark clouds had gathered overhead, thick and heavy. Were they there before? He could’ve sworn the sky had been clearer when they left.
But the forecast hadn’t said anything about rain.
James exhaled sharply, shaking his head. He’s just being paranoid. His mind was already primed for disaster, searching for anything else that could go wrong.
No. This was going to work. It had to.
Reaching out with his free hand, James intertwined his fingers with Regulus’ as they made their way through the nearly empty park. A few joggers passed by, couples strolled hand in hand, and the occasional dog walker trailed along the path. The gravel crunched beneath their shoes, their arms swinging lightly between them.
At some point, Regulus stepped closer, hugging James’ arm instead, sharing warmth between them. It was colder than James had anticipated. And once again, doubt crept in. Had he messed up by planning a picnic in the middle of February?
“Relax, Jamie,” Regulus murmured, resting his head against James’ shoulder. “You’re as stiff as a board.”
“Sorry, I just—” James stopped abruptly, his breath hitching as a droplet splattered against his glasses.
No.
His eyes flicked up to the sky, as if pleading with the universe. “No, no, no—” But within seconds, the drizzle turned into a downpour.
Drenching them both.
James let out a humourless disbelieving laugh, tilting his head back as the rain pelted down. This couldn’t be real. First, the exhibition disaster. Now, the picnic was ruined too. The universe officially hated him.
“Hey… hey, what’s wrong?” Regulus’ voice was soft, his hand warm against James’ cheek. Even soaked to the bone, his curls plastered to his forehead, raindrops rolling down his pale skin—he was breathtaking.
James swallowed hard, words tumbling out before he could stop them. “Reg… Angel, I’m sorry. I am so sorry. I know it’s ridiculous. It’s just a date—we’ve had so many amazing dates—but this… it’s our first Valentine’s Day, and I wanted—I thought—”
Regulus hushed him with a thumb brushing against his cheek, wiping away droplets—rain or tears, James wasn’t sure. “You worried that much about today?” His voice was impossibly gentle.
James shrugged, feeling helpless. “I guess I did. I just needed it to be perfect for you.”
Regulus let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “It already is, you big dummy. Every day I spend with you is perfect.”
James froze.
Oh.
Regulus wasn’t the type to say things like that outright. He showed love in quiet, subtle ways, but hearing it so plainly did something to James.
“You… you mean that?” James asked, voice barely above a whisper. “Even though I fucked everything up?”
Regulus smiled, rising onto his toes to press a chaste kiss to James’ lips. “You didn’t fuck anything up. You put so much effort into this. You’re doing more than anyone else ever has. You are what makes today perfect.”
A smile tugged at the corners of James’ mouth. His hands instinctively found their way to Regulus’ waist, pulling him closer. His coat was damp, the rain relentless, but neither of them moved away.
“I love you,” James said suddenly. He had thought it so many times before but never found the right moment to say it. This time, it just tumbled out without thought. As if James’ love for him filled the vessel that was his body. And now it couldn’t keep holding it in anymore. It simply overflowed.
Regulus’ expression shifted from surprise to something soft—something so raw it made James’ heart ache.
“I love you too.”
And maybe Regulus was right. Maybe it had always been perfect. Valentine’s Day or not. Because they had each other. Because they loved each other.
And nothing else really mattered.
Their lips met again, slow and lingering, as rain poured around them. People hurried past, running for shelter—but James and Regulus stayed right there, lost in each other.
~
With the rain showing no signs of stopping, they reluctantly made their way back to the car.
Inside, their clothes clung damply to their skin, raindrops trailing down their faces—but neither seemed to care. They shared a few more deep, lingering kisses in the quiet of the car, bodies close, breath warm against each other’s lips.
James had planned to take Regulus back to his place, to salvage what little he could of his original plan. But when Regulus had asked him to bring him home so he could change into something not soaked through first, James didn’t argue.
At first, it didn’t make much sense—James had plenty of Regulus’ clothes at his place, pieces left behind over countless nights spent together. But if Regulus wanted to go home, James would take him. There wasn’t a single thing in this world he would deny him.
Their hands remained clasped even as James shifted gears, fingers tangled together effortlessly. It wasn’t the first time he had to drive like this—Regulus had a habit of holding onto him, refusing to let go, and James had long since mastered the art of steering one-handed.
Not that he wanted to let go either.
Their confessions still echoed in his mind, settling deep in his bones. They had come so far. From James believing he wasn’t into men, to realizing he was falling—hard—for the boy beside him.
The boy who traced lazy circles over his knuckles with his thumb. Who couldn’t stop looking at him with that same soft, unguarded expression.
James wanted to tell him again. Over and over. He wanted to climb the highest rooftop, shout it to the world—I love you, I love you, I love you.
And to know Regulus felt the same way?
James wouldn’t want it any other way.
“You should come up with me,” Regulus said as they pulled up to his building. “You should change too.”
James didn’t need convincing. He was soaked to the bone, his clothes clinging uncomfortably to his skin. And, well—Regulus had a point. He had a few spare clothes here, too. Mostly because someone had a habit of stealing his sweaters when he thought James wasn’t looking.
Had James mentioned that Regulus was perfect?
He knew Regulus’ place as well as he knew his own. The cozy couch where they spent countless nights tangled together, watching movies. The small kitchenette where James loved to cook for him whenever he got the chance. The bathroom—not big, but just enough. And they fit into the shower together, so really, no complaints.
And then there was Regulus’ bedroom.
The bed that shouldn’t fit two people, but somehow did. The place where James had spent so many nights with Regulus curled into his side, breathing softly against his skin.
“Come on,” Regulus murmured, pulling him from his thoughts and motioning toward the bathroom.
James arched a brow, smirking. “What are you planning, love?”
Regulus had the audacity to look innocent, all wide eyes and delicate features. “Me? I just thought we should get out of these wet clothes and warm up a little. Nothing bad about that.”
But his lips curled at the edges, and James could see the mischief flickering back into his gaze.
James hummed, stepping closer, his grin slow and knowing. “No, not bad at all.”
And, well—they both knew they wouldn’t be keeping their hands off each other once they were inside the shower.
Not that James was complaining.
And James definitely wasn’t complaining when Regulus pushed him back against the cold tiles, his lips pressing insistently against his. He wasn’t sure if the shiver that ran down his spine came from the sudden contrast of temperature or from the way Regulus licked into his mouth, all teasing and possessive.
Didn’t really matter.
Not when his hands were full with his favourite person in the whole world. (Don’t tell Sirius.)
Not when he watched, half-lidded and utterly transfixed, as Regulus sank to his knees before him, grey eyes glinting with mischief and something darker.
Not when his fingers buried themselves in wet curls, his breath hitching as Regulus made him gasp his name.
It was perfect. He was perfect.
And James? He was the luckiest man alive.
“Let me—” James rasped, voice raw with want, reaching out to return the favour.
But Regulus just swatted his hand away, getting to his feet with only a slight wobble—at least he let James steady him. And then, before James could protest, warm hands threaded into his hair, lathering in shampoo, nails scratching lightly against his scalp in slow, methodical circles.
James groaned. His knees nearly buckled at the sheer pleasure of it.
“Gods…,” he mumbled, but he was already melting under Regulus’ touch, eyes fluttering shut as he let himself be pampered. There was no point in arguing—there never was. Regulus always won, and James had long since stopped minding.
When Regulus finally deemed his work done, James took his turn, washing soft, dark curls with equal care, watching as Regulus all but purred under the attention. This—this quiet intimacy, the way they fit together—it was enough to make James’ heart ache in the best possible way.
Honestly? He could stay like this forever.
But they still had to head back to James’ place, where he at least needed to safe what remained of his ruined Valentine’s Day plans. The damn candlelit dinner had to happen.
Though, judging by the look on Regulus’ face, he seemed to have some kind of plan, too.
Because the moment they stepped out of the shower, Regulus wouldn’t let James lift a finger. He dried him off with a towel, and then, with practiced ease, dressed him in a pair of his sweatpants and the hoodie he’d been wondering about for the past few weeks. He should have known that his thief of a boyfriend was behind it.
James huffed a laugh, but the teasing edge dulled as he studied Regulus more closely.
“What’s going on?” he asked, head tilting. “Not that I’m complaining, but… this isn’t really like you.”
Regulus simply shrugged. “Why? Can’t I spoil you a little too?”
James hesitated. “Sure, you can. But… you’re not doing this because you feel bad about today, are you?”
Regulus’ expression darkened, an exasperated sigh slipping past his lips.
“Are you still on about that?” he demanded. “James, how many times do I have to tell you? I don’t care about the exhibition or the picnic or whatever else you think went wrong. I got to spend today with you, and that’s more than enough for me.” He paused, eyes narrowing slightly. “It isn’t for you?”
James immediately shook his head, stepping forward before Regulus could even begin to doubt him. His hands were on Regulus’ narrow shoulders. He gave them a gentle squeeze.
“No! No, today’s been amazing,” he insisted. “You make me happy. You always do. I just…” He exhaled, his own shoulders deflating slightly. “I just feel like I let you down. Even a little.”
Regulus softened. Slowly, he reached out, lacing their fingers together, and—without another word—gently led James out of the bathroom and into his bedroom.
James followed, brow furrowed.
At first, he was confused.
Not that he’d mind if Regulus wanted to continue where they left off, but they did have things to do, and—
But then the door opened.
And James’ brain short-circuited.
Candles flickered on every available surface, casting the room in a warm, golden glow. Red rose petals were scattered across the sheets, spilling over onto the wooden floor in delicate trails of crimson. The entire space hummed with quiet, understated romance.
James’ mouth fell open. “Reg…”
He turned to Regulus, eyes wide.
Regulus just smiled—soft, smug, and completely unrepentant. “Did you really think I wouldn’t do anything for you today?” he murmured, before slipping away for only a brief moment.
When he returned, it was with a cool bottle of champagne and two delicate glasses in hand.
James blinked. And then blinked again. Momentarily at a loss for words. Nothing seemed to be able to describe what he was feeling.
“You—had this planned all along?” he stammered. “But—I thought—we agreed—not to do anything—and you—and we—”
He trailed off, completely thrown, because—yeah. He really had thought that Regulus, Regulus, who openly called Valentine’s Day a capitalist ploy designed to sell overpriced flowers and chocolates, wouldn’t bother planning anything for today.
In fact, they’d both agreed not to do anything.
James had assumed he’d be the only one unable to resist the urge to do something special.
But now, Regulus was looking at him like he’d won, pride glittering in his grey eyes. Clearly revelling in the fact that he’d managed to render his usually very talkative boyfriend completely speechless.
With a grin, he leaned in, pressing a kiss to James’ still-gaping mouth before motioning for him to sit down.
“It felt wrong to just… ignore today. Valentine’s Day is still stupid, don’t get me wrong. But it’s a little less stupid when you have someone to spend it with,” he admitted, shrugging as he popped the champagne open. “And I know your romantic ass wouldn’t be able to stay still, either, so…”
He poured them each a glass, then settled beside James on the bed, offering him one.
James took it, shaking his head in pure awe.
“You’re incredible, Reg,” he murmured, warmth flooding his chest. “I love you so much.”
Regulus’ expression softened. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Jamie,” he said, voice quiet but full of feeling. “I love you too.”
And then James noticed the chocolate-covered strawberries.
Regulus had really thought of everything.
James realized this when his boyfriend started feeding him the decadent treats, the rich sweetness melting on his tongue. They ate, they drank, and when they kissed, they tasted like bubbles and strawberries and something even sweeter—something that had nothing to do with the food at all.
Later that night, they fell into bed together—the candles blown out, the champagne long gone, only the lingering taste of strawberries left between them. Their limbs tangled effortlessly, fitting together like they were always meant to.
And as James lay there, Regulus curled against him, warm breath ghosting over his skin, he finally understood what his boyfriend had been saying all along.
It had never mattered what they did today.
All that mattered was this.
Regulus by his side. Just like he was now. Just like James hoped he always would be.
And despite all his failed attempts to make the day as special as possible, James knew the truth:
It had been perfect all along.
Because of Regulus.
Because of the one he loved.