“Reg?” James asked, of course, it’s James and Lily when is it not? Regulus looked up in shock from his place on the ground. He had gone out to sit by his favorite tree. It was cold, after all, it was the beginning of December.
“What do you want Potter,” Regulus bit out. It wasn’t as harsh as he had hoped because you could hear the shiver in his voice.
“Are you cold Reg?” Lily asked with a small smile.
“No,” Regulus answered immediately. Was it a lie? Yes. Lying to Lily and James felt wrong, but it was silly.
“Liar,” Lily smirked. Oh fuck that beautiful, evil woman. Lily seems so nice and kind but is just as bad as James. She’s so infuriating Regulus wants to rip his hair out.
“You know Lils I think you’re on to something,” James said with a mock expression of confusion. Regulus could kill James.
Lily and James knew just what to say to fluster Regulus though that’s not very hard when he’s around the couple. Regulus has been in love with them for two years, and he’s probably at least had a small crush on them since his first year.
At first Regulus thought he was jealous of Lily, but after getting to know her he was dead wrong. Lily is smart and kind. And she was able to help Regulus manage his anxiety better. She was the first person Regulus willingly told he was trans. She of course was wonderful, and whenever he has his period Lily is just perfect. Lily also stands up for what she believes in with such ferocity it sometimes scares Regulus. Maybe that’s how he fell for her, for how strong she loves.
James was different. He wanted to hate James for taking away Sirius, but he wanted to thank him for the same thing. It was hard. Once he reconciled with Sirius though it got easier. And soon one day as he looked at James he knew, he was in love. James filled the silence. He was loud whereas Regulus was quiet. He was everything.
Falling in love with James was sudden and abrupt, like falling over the edge of a cliff with no warning.
Falling in love with Lily was slower, more inevitable. It was like watching storm clouds pass over knowing you were in for a long rain.
“Let’s go inside,” James said breaking Regulus from his thoughts. James has his hand held out for Regulus to take. The younger boy’s first instinct is to take James’ hand and never let go, but he can’t have that. So instead he got up schooling his expression hoping that they take the blush on his cheeks as a side effect of the cold.
James and Lily started to walk and Regulus just followed them. How pathetic, Regulus would do anything they ask.
“Where are you taking me?” Regulus snapped at them. James and Lily turn around Lily first then James. Before James is even fully turned Lily is opening her mouth to speak.
“Gryffindor common room,” she answered with a light smile. Regulus furrowed his brows in confusion. Lily seemingly picked up on his confusion. “No one’s there and it’s warm,” she answered still not quite satisfying his confusion.
“Why? I can go back to Ravenclaw just fine,” Regulus wanted to know.
“We want to talk to you,” James told Regulus like that was a normal thing for them to do. Before Regulus could continue to voice his concerns James had grabbed his hand and all but dragged Regulus along.
Regulus just went along. Of course, he did. He couldn’t truly say no to James and Lily.
They arrived at the Gryffindor common room faster than Regulus had anticipated. True to her word the common room was empty just like Lily had said.
James finally let go of the shorter boy’s hand and Regulus missed the warmth. He blushed at the thought. Despite the warmth of the common room Regulus still shivered. He hoped that Lily or James wouldn’t notice.
Of course, just his luck Lily noticed.
“Reg? Do you want to borrow one of James’ jumpers?” She asked with a tilt of her head and a slight frown. Regulus could scream.
“I’m gonna go one step further and ask if you want to get out of those stuffy clothes and borrow some pajamas,” James added. James sweet kind James, of course he’d ask Regulus if he wanted to borrow pajamas.
Lily snorted. “No offense Reg, but I don’t think you’d even fit James’ pajamas, you’re even shorter than me,” she laughed. Regulus’ face went even redder if that was possible and he crossed his arms.
“Shut up,” he mumbled. Lily rolled her eyes.
“C’mon you look so uncomfortable, I have something you can wear, James go get one of your jumpers,” Lily grabbed Regulus by the shoulders and started to manhandle him to where his dorm is.
“I won’t be able to go up the stairs,” Regulus pointed out as he let himself be dragged.
“I know, I’m in charge of the charms on the stairs so I can make so you’re allowed up,” Lily said. She let go of one of Regulus’ shoulders and grabbed her wand from her pocket. Then she pointed it at the stairs muttered something and started dragging Regulus again.
Lily’s dorm was empty, but very cozy and the signs of life were very evident by the stuff strewn about the whole place.
Lily went to what Regulus assumed was her dresser and dug around until she pulled out some plaid red pajamas.
“Here Reg, the bathrooms over there, I’ll change in my bed,” Lily pointed in the direction of a door. Regulus nodded, but it came out all wrong. It was awkward and clunky looking. Regulus forced himself to go to the bathroom.
The pajamas were soft and smelt like Lily’s perfume. They fit loose on his frame. Regulus winced when he touched the bandages wrapped tightly around his chest. He’d worn them too long he knew this but he couldn’t take them off around Lily and James. As he had summed her Lily knocked on the bathroom door.
“Can I come in?” She asked. Regulus answered with a short yes. Lily came in and wrapped her arms around Regulus from behind. “They look good on you,” Lily smiled softly. Suddenly Regulus couldn’t speak. Lily gave him a squeeze and Regulus wheezed. It shouldn’t have affected him that bad but it did, he could only hope luck was on his side and she wouldn’t notice.
When was luck on Regulus’ side, cause now certainly it’s not. Lily heard it.
“Reg, how long have you had those bandages on?” Lily asked. Screw Regulus for telling Lily so much about himself. Screw Lily for caring so much.
“Not long,” he forced himself to answer.
“Reg… you need to take them off,” Lily said with a sad expression.
“It’s fine,” Regulus ground out.
“It’s me Reg,” Lily started slowly. “You don’t have to force yourself to be in pain around me, love,”. Love, love. Regulus wanted to throw up how could Lily just say that so casually? Something about the softness of her tone and the honesty lacing her voice cracked Regulus.
“Okay,” he found himself saying. Lily smiled releasing Regulus from the hug.
“Do you want me to leave or…” she trailed off. Regulus wanted, no, needed her to stay.
“Stay,” he reached out and grabbed her hand. “Please,” he whispered. Lily nodded. Regulus couldn’t do it himself. He needed help, he could feel his eyes start to water.
“Do you need help,” Lily asked voice full of empathy and compassion. Regulus could only nod looking down at his feet. Lily gently pulled his chin up so he’d make eye contact with her. She cupped his jaw with both of her hands. Regulus could only think about James in the back of his mind.
Before Regulus could stop it Lily was leaning down and Regulus was leaning up. Their lips met in a soft kiss. Regulus made a noise of confusion but didn’t break the kiss. Lily did after a long moment her lips curved in a warm smile that made Regulus weak in the knees.
“…Lily…James, you're together?” Regulus just couldn’t comprehend what was happening. Lily chuckled her hands still on Regulus’ jaw.
“Yeah, but we like you, this is bad timing, but Regulus me and James want to date you if you’d like that,” Lily gave him a soft smile. Regulus can only press his lips up against Lily’s. It’s just a quick peck but it’s everything.
“Yes, please, Merlin this is everything I’ve ever wanted,” Regulus whispered just for Lily to hear. They just stood staring into each other for a long moment before Lily broke the silence.
“Reg, do you still want me to help you?” she asked so soft and gentle. Regulus nodded. Lily gave him a reassuring smile and let go of his jaw.
Lily was quick and did her best not to look. Regulus truly appreciated it.
They went out of the bathroom hand in hand. Regulus clinging to the Gryffindor’s side. James was sitting on Lily’s bed holding a jumper. Lily gave him a reassuring smile and a push forward.
Regulus stood between James’ legs.
“Here it’s the thickest I have,” James handed over the jumper. Regulus wordlessly put it on.
“Thank you,” he whispered. James’ hands came to rest on the shorter boy's hips.
“Can I kiss you?” James asked quietly, nerves evident in his voice. Regulus nodded leaning down to kiss the Gryffindor boy. James’ lips were soft and warm. Regulus melted into the kiss. Eventually, they had to come up for air.
Regulus yawned loud.
“C’mon let’s go to sleep, we can talk more in the morning,” Lily said. Regulus turned and found she was right behind him. Regulus opened his mouth to protest but all that came out was a yawn. James chuckled.
James pulled the covers up and got under holding the thick quilt up for Lily who climbed in next to James. Lily pat the small space between them for Regulus to go.
Regulus was lying on top of Lily and James, but he couldn’t care when he was so tired and so comfortable.
Regulus truly never would forget the third of December.