Chapter 5
Remus was off on Monday. Too off. Regulus noticed it immediately. Sure, Remus was exhausted after spending the entire weekend tutoring high schoolers who probably didn’t know algebra from their own left hands, but this felt… different. He was quiet during lunch, barely picking at his food, his usual wit and sarcasm nowhere to be found. Even more concerning, he didn’t text Regulus once all day. Not even a meme or a stupid one-liner. Nothing.
Regulus found himself spiraling a little. Was Remus mad at him? But… what for? Regulus retraced every conversation, every text, every second of their weekend together. He couldn’t find a single reason. Yet, the thought nagged at him, settling uncomfortably in his chest.
But then, that evening, Remus showed up at Regulus’s apartment like usual, bag slung over his shoulder, exhaustion clinging to his features. He didn’t seem angry. Didn’t say anything out of the ordinary. But he was quiet. Too quiet.
Even as they got ready for bed, slipping under the covers and settling into the familiar comfort of each other’s presence, Remus stayed silent. His eyes were fixed on the skylight above the bed, watching the night sky with an unreadable expression. It was… unsettling.
Regulus couldn’t take it anymore. The silence was suffocating, his own insecurities clawing at him, and he needed to know what was going on.
“Remus,” he called softly, turning on his side to face him. Remus lay flat on his back, still staring up at the skylight, his expression distant. “Are you okay?” Regulus asked, his voice low, his worry evident.
Remus blinked, his eyes still fixed on the ceiling. “Not really,” he admitted, his voice flat, lacking its usual warmth.
That made Regulus’s chest tighten. He immediately propped himself up on his elbow, his eyes searching Remus’s face for any clue as to what was wrong. “Why?” he pressed, his voice soft but firm.
Remus hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. His jaw tightened, and his eyes flicked away from the skylight, staring off to the side instead. “It’s stupid,” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Regulus’s heart skipped, panic twisting in his chest. “Come on, tell me,” he urged, his fingers reaching out to gently brush against Remus’s arm. “Please?”
Remus’s eyes finally met his, and for a moment, Regulus’s breath caught. Remus looked… conflicted. Vulnerable, even. It was rare to see him like this, his guard so clearly down.
Remus sighed, his shoulders sinking deeper into the mattress. “I realized something today… or, well, more like it hit me like a damn train,” he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration.
Regulus’s brows knitted together in confusion. “What?” he asked softly, his eyes never leaving Remus’s.
Remus looked away, his jaw clenching before he finally spoke, his words coming out in a rush. “I realized that… you were actually with James,” he said, his voice tight, like the words physically hurt to say. “I mean, I knew that. Obviously. But today… it just… hit me.”
Regulus blinked, taken aback. “Yeah, I was,” he admitted slowly, his mind racing to keep up. “But I’m with you now. Not him.” His voice was firm, resolute.
Remus let out a bitter laugh, his eyes flicking back up to the skylight. “I know that,” he said, his voice low. “It’s just… Sirius made some stupid comment today. About you and James… about you two fucking, or whatever.” His voice was strained, laced with anger and hurt. “I know it’s in the past. I know it doesn’t matter now. But… I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I just… I don’t want to think about it.”
Regulus felt his stomach drop, realization hitting him like a punch. “Oh,” he breathed, his chest tightening. “Remus… it didn’t mean anything. You know that, right?”
Remus’s lips pressed together, his eyes fixed on the stars above. “I know,” he said quietly. “Logically, I know. But… it still sucks to think about.” His voice wavered, his vulnerability on full display. “I hate that it bothers me.”
Regulus’s heart ached, his fingers instinctively reaching out to tangle with Remus’s. “I get it,” he said softly, his thumb rubbing soothing circles against Remus’s hand. “I’d feel the same way if it were you and Sirius.”
Remus’s eyes softened, finally meeting Regulus’s again. “Really?” he asked, his voice fragile, almost uncertain.
“Yeah,” Regulus admitted, his voice gentle but honest. “I’d be furious, probably. And jealous. Even if I know it’s stupid.” He offered a small, crooked smile. “I’m not good at sharing.”
Remus let out a shaky laugh, his shoulders relaxing just a bit. “Me neither,” he admitted, his fingers tightening around Regulus’s. “I hate that Sirius can still get under my skin like that.”
Regulus leaned down, his forehead pressing gently against Remus’s. “He’s an ass,” he said bluntly. “Don’t let him mess with your head. He just… he doesn’t want us to be happy.”
Remus’s eyes softened, his fingers brushing against Regulus’s cheek. “I know,” he whispered, his voice low. “I just… I don’t want to lose you.”
Regulus’s heart clenched, his grip on Remus’s hand tightening. “You’re not going to,” he promised, his voice firm. “I’m with you, baby. Not him. Not James. You.”
Remus’s eyes shimmered, a soft smile finally forming on his lips. “Good,” he whispered, his voice cracking just a little. “Because… I love you. And I don’t want to let you go.”
Regulus’s breath caught, his chest tightening painfully. “I love you too,” he admitted, his voice raw, vulnerable. “And I’m not going anywhere. Ever.”
Remus’s fingers tangled in Regulus’s hair, pulling him down into a soft, lingering kiss. It was gentle, slow, a reassurance that words could never quite convey.
When they finally broke apart, Remus’s eyes were brighter, his smile a little more genuine. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Regulus just smiled, his forehead still pressed against Remus’s. “Always,” he whispered back, his fingers never letting go of Remus’s.
Maybe it was because Remus was more aware than ever that Regulus had been with James before. Or maybe it was just one of those nights where emotions ran deeper, where they weren’t just seeking comfort or pleasure, but something more. Whatever the reason, when they finally moved together, it was different. There was no urgency, no roughness. It was slow, unhurried, almost reverent.
Remus was impossibly gentle, his touch featherlight, his lips soft as they moved over Regulus’s skin, leaving a trail of warmth and shivers in their wake. His words were low, whispered between kisses, and they made Regulus’s heart race, his chest tightening with emotions he still wasn’t quite used to feeling so openly.
“You’re everything to me,” Remus murmured, his voice raw, his eyes impossibly soft as they locked with Regulus’s. “Everything.”
Regulus felt his breath hitch, his fingers tightening around Remus’s as he pulled him closer, his heart pounding so loud he was sure Remus could hear it. “Remus…” he whispered, his voice cracking just a little.
Remus’s lips found his again, soft and slow, stealing his breath and every coherent thought from his mind. They moved together, a rhythm that was unspoken but perfect, like they were made to fit just like this. It wasn’t just about need or desire—it was about love. About trust. About feeling safe in each other’s arms.
And Regulus realized then just how much he needed that. How much he needed Remus.
They stayed like that for what felt like forever, lost in each other, in whispered words and gentle touches. Remus’s fingers traced patterns along Regulus’s skin, slow and lazy, like he was memorizing every inch of him. Regulus shivered under his touch, his body arching into Remus’s, silently asking for more.
Remus responded with a tenderness that made Regulus’s chest ache. His lips moved along Regulus’s jaw, his neck, his shoulder, his touch worshipful, his words reverent. “I love you,” he whispered over and over, like a vow, like a promise.
And Regulus… Regulus couldn’t do anything but hold him tighter, his fingers tangled in Remus’s curls, his body pressing closer, his heart wide open and vulnerable. “I love you,” he whispered back, his voice shaking, raw and honest. “I love you so much.”
Afterwards, they lay tangled together under the covers, limbs entwined, hearts still racing. Remus’s head rested on Regulus’s chest, his fingers tracing lazy circles over his skin, soothing and comforting. Regulus’s arms were wrapped around him, holding him close, his lips pressed to the top of Remus’s head.
Neither of them spoke for a while, content to just be there, wrapped up in each other, in the lingering warmth and the quiet intimacy of the moment. It felt… safe. Real. Like nothing and no one could touch them here, in this little world they’d built together.
Eventually, Remus broke the silence, his voice soft and almost shy. “I’ve never… felt like this before,” he admitted, his fingers still drawing lazy patterns over Regulus’s skin. “With anyone.”
Regulus’s heart skipped, his arms tightening around Remus instinctively. “Me neither,” he whispered, his voice low and vulnerable. “It scares me sometimes.”
Remus lifted his head then, his eyes searching Regulus’s, his expression softening. “Why?” he asked, his voice gentle.
Regulus swallowed, his chest tightening. “Because… I don’t want to lose this,” he admitted, his voice cracking just a little. “I don’t want to lose you.”
Remus’s expression softened even more, his fingers brushing against Regulus’s cheek. “You won’t,” he promised, his voice steady, his eyes unwavering. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m yours, Reg. Always.”
Regulus felt his heart clench, his eyes stinging just a little. He pulled Remus closer, his lips finding his in a slow, lingering kiss, his fingers tightening in his curls. “Good,” he whispered, his voice shaking. “Because I’m yours too. Completely.”
Remus smiled against his lips, his fingers tangling with Regulus’s as he whispered back, “Completely.”
They stayed like that for the rest of the night, wrapped up in each other, their bodies tangled together, their hearts beating in sync. And for the first time in a long time, Regulus felt… safe. Loved. Whole.
He fell asleep to the sound of Remus’s steady breathing, his head resting on Regulus’s chest, their fingers still intertwined. And in that moment, Regulus knew that no matter what happened, no matter who tried to come between them, they would be okay. Because they had each other.
Lunches finally became bearable again. Remus was himself once more—playful, sarcastic, and quick-witted. Maybe he just needed that night to sort through whatever insecurities had been weighing him down. Remus wasn’t always the most open about what was bothering him, and Regulus had never really thought he’d care about anyone’s issues but his own. Yet, he did. He cared a lot more than he ever thought he could. Clearly, love made him weak. But strangely, he didn’t mind it. Not when it came to Remus.
They were sitting with their usual circle, gathered around one of the worn wooden tables in the campus café. The place was buzzing with noise—students chatting, espresso machines hissing, chairs scraping against the floor. It was chaotic, but oddly comforting. Regulus leaned back in his chair, his arm casually draped behind Remus as they listened to Mary and Marlene’s ongoing argument about chores in their shared apartment.
“I’m just saying,” Mary huffed, her arms crossed as she shot Marlene an exasperated look, “if you leave your wet towels on the floor one more time, I’m gonna burn them.”
Marlene rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed defiantly. “It’s one towel, and it was one time.”
“One time?” Mary’s voice went up an octave. “Try every time. I swear, Black and Potter probably don’t fight about this stuff.”
Regulus blinked, his attention snapping back to the conversation at the mention of his brother’s name. “Wait… what?”
Mary turned to him, her eyebrows raised. “Yeah, Sirius and James live together. You didn’t know?”
“No,” Regulus replied slowly, his eyes narrowing. “I didn’t.” He tried to keep his tone neutral, but the surprise must have shown on his face because Remus turned to look at him, his brow furrowing slightly.
“Yeah, since summer,” Marlene chimed in, waving her hand dismissively. “I thought everyone knew.”
“Well, I didn’t,” Regulus muttered, his jaw clenching a little. It shouldn’t bother him, really. He and Sirius weren’t exactly close. They barely talked unless they had to. But still… he should’ve known.
“No, honestly,” Mary cut in, clearly trying to change the subject before Marlene could get defensive again. “I believe that Black and Potter don’t fight about who used whose conditioner.”
“That’s because we have one,” James deadpanned, not looking up from his phone as he absentmindedly poked at his fries.
Barty let out a snort of laughter. “You two are practically married already.”
James rolled his eyes but didn’t deny it, a small smirk playing at his lips. “Well, at least one of us is getting laid.”
Sirius shot him a glare, his cheeks flushing slightly. “Shut up, Potter.”
Remus’s eyes flicked over to Regulus, a knowing look in them. Regulus just rolled his eyes, pretending to be uninterested as he picked at his food. But his mind was still spinning, piecing together the new information. Sirius and James… living together.
He glanced over at Remus again, catching the slight tension in his shoulders. Of course, Remus knew. Of course, he would. He was Sirius’s ex, after all. And, if Regulus was being honest, that fact never stopped bothering him.
He reached under the table, his fingers finding Remus’s thigh, giving it a squeeze. Remus’s shoulders relaxed immediately, his hand coming down to rest over Regulus’s, his thumb brushing over his knuckles. It was a small gesture, but it was enough.
James was watching them, his expression carefully neutral, but there was something in his eyes that made Regulus’s chest tighten. He looked away, his fingers tightening on Remus’s thigh just a little. He wasn’t jealous. He wasn’t. He had no reason to be. He knew that. But still…
Remus leaned in, his voice low as he whispered, “You okay?”
Regulus forced himself to nod, plastering on a smirk as he whispered back, “I’m fine. Just surprised, that’s all.”
Remus’s eyes softened, his fingers giving Regulus’s hand a gentle squeeze. “It’s just Sirius,” he murmured. “Don’t let him get to you.”
Regulus huffed out a laugh. “Too late for that,” he muttered. But when Remus leaned in and pressed a quick, soft kiss to his cheek, he felt the tension melt away.
He glanced over to see Sirius watching them, his expression unreadable, his jaw tight. Good. Let him watch.
Regulus turned back to Remus, his hand still on his thigh, his fingers brushing against his skin. Remus smiled at him, his eyes warm and steady, and for a moment, everything else faded away.
Sirius could live with James. James could try to worm his way back into Regulus’s life. But none of it mattered. Not when he had Remus by his side, his touch grounding him, his presence enough to make everything else seem insignificant.
“So,” Mary said, her voice playful as she changed the subject, “are we still up for that movie night in the fucking penthouse?”
Regulus groaned loudly, dropping his head onto the table in exaggerated frustration. “Stop calling it that, seriously,” he muttered, rolling his eyes in mock annoyance.
“No way,” Mary replied deadpan, her eyes narrowing in mischief. “I’m actually sad there’s no third Black brother. You know, the hetero one,” she added, with a dramatic roll of her eyes that earned a round of laughter from everyone at the table.
“You can take Sirius,” Remus said casually, his voice laced with a hint of mockery. “Enjoy my scraps,” he added, looking at Regulus with a smirk, as though the joke was meant only for him.
Barty and Evan burst into laughter at the remark, their faces red as they struggled to breathe through their fits of giggles. “Oh my fucking god,” Barty wheezed, clutching his side. “I should’ve recorded that shit,” he said between gasps of air, clearly delighted by the banter.
Sirius, who had been unusually quiet up until this point, raised an eyebrow, his expression a mixture of confusion and amusement. “What?” he asked, clearly caught off guard by the exchange.
“What what?” Remus asked, his voice as casual as ever, as though he hadn’t just delivered a savage line. He leaned back in his chair, completely unbothered by the attention.
“You—what?” Sirius repeated, his disbelief growing with each second as he tried to process the words coming from Remus. His eyes flickered between him and Regulus, searching for any hint of sincerity or teasing behind their cool exteriors.
Regulus couldn’t help himself—he chuckled, clearly enjoying how out of place Sirius seemed in the moment. “Lupin is just letting you know how things are,” he said with a grin, not bothering to elaborate further. It was all part of the game, after all.
Mary leaned back in her chair, clearly delighted with how the conversation was unfolding. “Honestly, Sirius, you’re just gonna have to get used to it,” she said, smirking. “These two have been throwing shade at you since forever.”
Remus, unfazed, shrugged. “I just don’t get why everyone’s surprised. It’s not like I’m claiming him, right?” He shot a look at Regulus that only added to the tension in the air.
Sirius, still processing the implications of what Remus had said, glanced over at James for support. But James, as usual, was too busy keeping his thoughts to himself and pretending he wasn’t fully aware of the undercurrent between the group.
Barty snickered again. “Yeah, Lupin, you’ve been making your intentions pretty clear. The scraps were clearly worth it.”
Evan leaned in, adding with a smirk, “Yeah, I’m pretty sure Reg has been perfectly fine with it too. No complaints there, right?”
Regulus, still amused, shook his head. “No complaints here,” he agreed nonchalantly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He loved how easily the conversation could turn in his favor with just a few words from Remus.
The table went silent for a moment, everyone processing the jokes and trying to figure out where they stood in the chaos that had just erupted. And, as usual, it was Mary who broke the tension with another playful remark.
“Alright, alright, let’s settle this before we all start fighting over who gets what,” she said, rolling her eyes. “But seriously, we’re still on for the movie night at the penthouse, right?”
Regulus couldn’t help but smirk, shaking his head. “Yes, Mary. We’re still on. But I’m telling you now, if anyone ruins my couch, I’ll make sure you never step foot in my apartment again.”
The group erupted in laughter, the earlier tension forgotten as the easy camaraderie returned.
“I’ve never done such a thing!” Mary scoffed, clearly offended by the suggestion.
“You literally—” Regulus pointed at her, unable to stop the teasing smile tugging at his lips. “You vomited on my skincare stuff. On the sink, of all places. The toilet was literally right next to it,” he added, making sure to emphasize the absurdity of the situation. The rest of the group howled with laughter.
“Well, maybe I just like vomiting in overpriced apartments on overpriced skincare stuff,” Mary replied matter-of-factly, as if her actions were completely justified.
Regulus rolled his eyes, but there was a fondness in his gaze. “You’re lucky you’re Lupin’s best friend,” he said dryly. “Otherwise, I’d push you off the roof of the building,” he added, making an exaggerated motion with his hand as though he were about to shove her.
“Oh, you mean your private roof?” Marlene mocked, raising an eyebrow as if she had just made the most brilliant observation in the world.
“Shut up finally,” Regulus groaned, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “And buy wine if we’re going to watch the movie together. I can’t stand it sober,” he added, crossing his arms firmly across his chest, giving off an air of exaggerated seriousness.
Barty chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. “Sure, man,” he said, mimicking Regulus’s tone with a mock salute. “I’ll get the finest wine to make sure you’re properly distracted from the horror of movie night.”
The playful banter continued, everyone relaxed and enjoying the ridiculousness of it all. Despite their individual quirks, there was an undeniable sense of belonging among them. And Regulus, though sometimes exasperated by his friends, couldn’t help but appreciate the chaos that came with them.
Everyone had gathered in Regulus’ living room, the projector on the wall flashing images of some ridiculous movie that Regulus didn’t even recognize. He was sprawled on the corner of the couch, his legs resting comfortably in Remus’ lap, both of them covered under a thick blanket. It was cozy, but with all the people around, it also felt like controlled chaos. Barty and Evan were sitting on the couch too, their posture a little too stiff, desperately trying to act like they weren’t a couple. The whole room could feel the tension in the air as they exchanged occasional glances, but neither of them dared to do anything overtly affectionate. Mary and Marlene were sprawled together in the large leather armchair, their legs tangled and conversation flowing effortlessly between them, neither of them particularly bothered by the crowd.
The coffee table was littered with containers of takeout, ranging from Chinese to pizza to some sushi that no one could quite remember ordering. Empty wine glasses sat around like casualties of the night, all of them having indulged in way too much wine already. Regulus could feel the warmth from the alcohol settling in his chest, a fuzzy sort of comfort blanketing the room as the familiar sounds of laughter and casual bickering filled the air.
“Really?” Barty piped up suddenly, eyeing the screen. “We’re watching this? This is the kind of movie you people get excited about?”
Regulus, half-focused on the screen, rolled his eyes. “You’re welcome to leave at any time,” he said, his voice tinged with sarcasm but there was a soft laugh in it too.
“You know I’m never leaving your couch, Black,” Barty grinned, the look in his eyes saying he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Evan sighed, leaning back and throwing an arm across Barty’s shoulders, his thumb gently tapping against Barty’s arm. "He's got you there," Evan teased, but his tone was warm, soft. It was clear he didn’t mind the movie as much as he let on, his attention more on his boyfriend than the ridiculous plot unfolding on the screen.
Mary, clearly already in a bit of a wine-induced haze, leaned back in her armchair, grinning at everyone. “You all have horrible taste in films,” she declared, as though it were the most serious thing she had ever said, causing Marlene to snort into her wine glass.
“Yeah, but we have excellent taste in company,” Marlene added with a wink, nudging Mary lightly.
Regulus smirked at the scene unfolding. The movie was terrible, but the night? The night was good. They were all here, together, in the familiar comfort of his apartment, surrounded by his friends, and none of them were stressing over anything. Just enjoying the moment, just being... well, them.
He took a sip of his wine, leaning back further into the couch, enjoying the easy presence of Remus beside him, their legs tangled together under the blanket. “You’re quiet tonight,” Regulus murmured, looking at Remus with a knowing glance. “What’s on your mind?”
Remus simply smiled and shook his head, his fingers brushing the side of Regulus’s knee absentmindedly. “Nothing,” he said softly, though Regulus could tell he was in one of those pensive moods. But for now, there was no need to pry. The night was theirs to relax, to enjoy without question.
“Don’t even try to act like you're actually paying attention to this film, Reg,” Mary piped up again, interrupting the quiet moment. “You’re literally on your phone right now.”
Regulus glanced down, realizing he had unconsciously pulled his phone out to check something. “Fine, fine, I’m probably not invested in this,” he admitted, chuckling. “But I’m here, aren’t I?”
“You’re here, but are you really here?” Barty teased, wiggling his eyebrows dramatically.
Regulus shot him a playful glare. “It’s Wednesday night, Barty. I’m here in body, soul, and wine,” he said, holding up his glass in a mock salute.
“God, if I had a dollar for every time I heard that,” Barty sighed dramatically.
The group settled back into their comfortable chaos. There was a warmth in the air, both from the wine and the easy laughter that filled the room. It was a simple night, nothing particularly special in the grand scheme of things—but in that moment, it felt like exactly what they all needed.
Remus had this knack for teasing Regulus, even when they were surrounded by their friends. The influence he had on Regulus—and well, his body—was sometimes just too much. It wasn’t intentional, not really, but Remus knew how to push his buttons, how to make him twitch with desire in the most subtle ways.
For example, Remus often found a way to place his hand on Regulus’s thigh under the blanket, and it wasn’t just a casual touch. Every so often, his fingers would shift, slowly inching higher and higher. It wasn’t as though Regulus could stop him—not that he really wanted to—but the teasing was a dangerous game.
As Remus’s fingers edged closer to the hem of Regulus's sweatpants, Regulus could feel a heat building in his chest, mixed with a growing sense of annoyance. This was starting to become too much. His heart rate picked up slightly, not from discomfort, but from the way Remus was purposely playing with fire.
Finally, when Remus’s hand reached the hem of his sweatpants, Regulus shot him a sharp look, one that conveyed all the unspoken warning he needed.
“Lupin,” he said, his voice low and controlled, but there was a definite edge to it.
Remus, however, didn’t even glance at him. His gaze was still fixed on the movie, as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “What?” Remus asked, a hint of amusement in his tone as he continued the slow, deliberate caress along Regulus's inner thigh.
Regulus scoffed, his eyes narrowing slightly. His voice was tight now, irritation building. “You’re going to regret this, really.” His words were a threat, but there was a teasing undertone that belied the seriousness in his gaze.
But Remus just smiled to himself, still focused on the movie, as if Regulus’s warning meant little to him. His fingers brushed just shy of Regulus's waistband, the sensation making Regulus twitch in his seat.
"Regret it? I doubt it," Remus murmured, his fingers brushing just a little higher, the thrill of playing with Regulus’s patience making the moment that much more charged.
Regulus’s breath hitched, and the laughter from their friends around them felt distant, almost muted, compared to the rapid thoughts running through his mind. “You really don’t know when to stop, do you?” he muttered, trying to mask how much he was enjoying the tension that Remus was so effortlessly creating.
Remus, of course, just smirked, seemingly content with the game he was playing. “I think I know exactly when to stop,” he said, but there was something in his voice that suggested he had no intention of stopping at all.
Regulus tried to focus on the movie, but Remus’s hand was distracting him in all the wrong ways. The warmth of his touch, the pressure of his fingers just barely grazing the waistband of his sweatpants—it was maddening. He tried to keep a straight face, trying to act unaffected, but the tension was too palpable, too strong.
Remus, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease. His eyes remained fixed on the screen, but Regulus knew he was enjoying every moment of this, every second of watching Regulus squirm.
“You’re really pushing your luck,” Regulus muttered under his breath, feeling the heat rising in his cheeks as Remus’s hand crept higher, just shy of crossing the line. It was playful, sure, but it was getting harder to ignore.
“I’m just getting comfortable,” Remus replied casually, his voice filled with that same smug amusement. “Isn’t that what a movie night is for?”
Regulus couldn’t help but laugh, the sound a little too tight for his own liking. “Comfortable?” he repeated, raising an eyebrow. “This isn’t comfortable, Lupin. This is you being a tease.”
“And you love it,” Remus teased back, finally glancing at him with a mischievous grin. “Admit it, you wouldn’t want me to stop.”
Regulus opened his mouth to retort, but the words caught in his throat. There was no denying it—he didn’t want Remus to stop. In fact, the way Remus was pushing his limits was exactly what Regulus had come to expect from him. He could never keep his hands off him, could never resist the way Remus made him feel like this: undone, tangled up in his own emotions and desires.
“Well, I’m waiting for you to make the first move, Black,” Remus said with a wink, his voice low and smooth, teasing Regulus further. The boldness in his tone made Regulus’s heart skip a beat. He could feel the air thickening between them.
The laughter from their friends in the background suddenly seemed irrelevant. Regulus turned his full attention to Remus, his expression softening just a fraction as he leaned forward, their faces inches apart. The tension was practically crackling in the air.
“I’m not going to make it easy for you,” Regulus muttered, barely above a whisper, before his hand slid to the back of Remus’s neck, pulling him closer. Their lips met in a kiss that was slow, deliberate, and full of heat.
It wasn’t just a kiss—it was a claim, a promise, a reminder of what they meant to each other. Every inch of Regulus’s skin felt alive with the touch, the connection, the electric pull between them. He could taste the wine on Remus’s lips, feel the weight of his body pressed against him, and for a moment, it felt like everything outside of this room ceased to exist.
They broke apart reluctantly, both of them breathing a little heavier, their foreheads resting against each other.
“You are going to regret this,” Regulus murmured, though his voice lacked any real conviction.
Remus chuckled softly, his fingers still lightly tracing the outline of Regulus’s shirt. “I doubt it,” he replied, a knowing smile curling on his lips. “But you’re welcome to prove me wrong.”
Regulus smirked, shaking his head slightly. "You're impossible, Lupin," he muttered, but the fondness in his voice was undeniable.
"God, you’re so gross," Barty sighed, scrunching his face in mock disgust. "I preferred when you two didn’t touch each other in front of other people, really." He rolled his eyes, clearly trying to hide his amusement behind the exaggerated irritation.
"Oh, stop, they’re so cute," Marlene mocked, her voice dripping with fake sweetness as she glanced at Regulus and Remus, who were still tangled up together under the blanket.
"Yeah, the only couple here who actually admitted that they’re together," Remus chimed in casually, leaning back against the couch, his fingers absently playing with the hem of Regulus’s shirt.
Barty shot him a confused look. "I’m not with Rosier!" he blurted out suddenly, as if the idea had just occurred to him.
"Sure, man," Regulus snorted, not buying it for a second. "You two are practically attached at the hip," he teased, his voice laced with sarcasm. He knew Barty and Evan's dynamic all too well. They were like an old married couple who had yet to admit it.
"And I’m not with MacDonald?" Marlene asked, raising an eyebrow in mock suspicion, looking at Remus as if daring him to argue the point.
"Sure, girl," Remus snorted in return, leaning against Regulus’s side and casting a smug grin toward Marlene. “You two are so in denial. It’s kind of adorable."
Marlene rolled her eyes dramatically, trying and failing to suppress a laugh. "Whatever," she muttered, tossing a pillow at Remus's head. "You’re all impossible. At least we’re not the only ones pretending."
“Pretending?” Regulus raised an eyebrow, glancing between Marlene and Barty with amusement. “You’re all just mad you haven’t been brave enough to admit it yet.”
Marlene threw her hands up in mock surrender. "Fine, maybe we are, but you two are still the worst," she said with a grin. "Seriously, do you ever stop?"
"You love it," Remus smirked, nudging Regulus with his elbow. “Admit it, you’re just jealous we’re so... affectionate.”
“Oh, I'm not jealous,” Barty said with a dramatic sigh, leaning back into his seat, rolling his eyes. “I just have a stronger immune system than you two. I don't need to catch your cooties."
"Please," Regulus scoffed, his eyes twinkling with humor. "You're probably more attached to Rosier than we are to each other."
Barty flipped him off, but the playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips made it clear he wasn't offended. The banter among the group was easy, effortless, and undeniably familiar. It felt comfortable, like slipping into an old sweater—worn, but still perfect.
Remus chuckled, looking up at Regulus with a glint of mischief in his eyes. "This is fun, huh? The whole we're all one big happy dysfunctional family thing."
Regulus grinned, pulling Remus a little closer. “Could be worse,” he agreed, his voice soft. “At least we don't have to pretend with each other. Even if they still won’t admit they’re secretly a thing.”
"Shut up, Black," Barty muttered, half-joking, half-serious. "You’re never going to let that go, are you?"
"Not a chance," Regulus shot back with a wicked grin, enjoying every second of teasing his friends.