Chapter 2
James realizes that he and Regulus have been neighbors for over a year, and this is his first time in the younger Black’s apartment. He immediately notices how much it looks like it could belong to Regulus himself — if anything, it’s as Black as possible.
The walls of the living room, which is connected to the kitchen, are made of red brick, and there are plants and books everywhere. In one corner, there’s a piano. Between the armchair and the sofa, there’s a tall, quite nice lamp in Potter’s opinion. On the rug, there’s a coffee table with two steaming mugs of tea that the apartment’s owner just placed.
To be honest, James expected to be kicked out immediately, so he hesitated for a few seconds before knocking on the door of the apartment across the hall. Regulus must really need some company if he let him in, so James is grateful that he decided to check on the younger Black.
Truthfully, James doesn’t understand why Regulus is so negative towards him. He tries not to dwell on it and turns it into a joke, but sometimes it bothers him, and he feels lost because he doesn’t know the reasons behind Regulus’s attitude. He realizes there are probably plenty of people who don’t like him, but Regulus is his friend’s brother, so in a way, he cares about his well-being too.
“You don’t have to tell me anything, and we can just sit here, but if you need to talk, feel free,” he starts, a bit uncertain, as he always feels like this around Regulus. To his surprise, Regulus sits down next to him, frowning as if he’s really thinking about whether he should tell James what happened just half an hour ago.
“Evan and Barty have been together for two months, and they didn’t tell me because they were worried it would upset me. Two years ago, I dated Crouch,” Regulus says, which surprises James, but expressing shock seems a bit out of place, so he suppresses it and instead gives him a sympathetic look. “Pandora doesn’t know either, and Evan asked me not to tell her, and I have no idea what to do. She’s my best friend, so now I feel like I’m hiding something from her,” he continues in a moment of honesty, as if he’s afraid the moment will pass, and he’ll close himself off again.
“You know, that’s really unfair of them, right?” James says, remembering how Sirius and Remus had also kept their relationship a secret for a while. He felt exactly the same sense of betrayal that Regulus is feeling now, but maybe it was a little easier for him because Peter, Lily, and Mary found out at the same time.
“We’ve been spending a little less time together lately—”
“Doesn’t matter,” James interrupts before Regulus starts blaming himself even more. “They’re still your friends. You know your brother and Remus took a long time to tell us too, right?” Regulus suddenly looks up.
“I can’t believe Sirius didn’t run straight to you and talk to you about Remus all night,” James chuckles softly, because that’s exactly what happened with everyone before Remus.
“They were afraid it would mess up the dynamic of the group. Besides, if they broke up, it could get awkward. I understood their concerns, but I was a bit hurt for a while.”
“At least they told you.”
“They didn’t tell you?” Regulus shakes his head, and James stares at him, a mix of shock and irritation. “So, you found out by accident?”
“Exactly,” Regulus confirms, letting out a mocking laugh at his own situation.
James doesn’t really understand Regulus’s relationship with his friends. He’s only had a chance to meet Pandora because she’s dating Lily. He remembers them from school, and they always formed a bit of an odd group, but one that somehow complemented each other. They were maybe a bit crazy, but their friendship seemed really strong, and that was probably the most important thing. He tries to understand Barty and Evan’s reasons, but he still feels like Regulus is the one most hurt in this situation.
“Calm down a bit, take a break, and clear your mind from this situation, then talk to them. Calmly explain the misunderstanding and tell them exactly what hurt you,” the advice sounds simple, but James honestly doesn’t see any other way out of this situation. “This probably isn’t worth completely ending the friendship over, right?”
“No,” Regulus admits. He seems to analyze James’s words for a moment, and James watches his furrowed brow as he tries to hide all his emotions, but it never works when he’s deeply thinking about something. “I probably would’ve done that, but it’s just not possible right now,” he admits, and now it’s James’s turn to furrow his brow.
“You’re going to your cousin’s wedding, right? That seems like the perfect opportunity to clear your mind,” James points out, because Sirius hasn’t stopped talking about it for three weeks, practically only mentioning that.
“Evan is actually really close family to Andy. They’re invited, we’re all going,” Regulus explains, and this gives everything a new sense.
“Oh,” James doesn’t know how to help Regulus now. Of course, he won’t tell him not to go, so avoiding his friends for a while stops being an option. “Are you going with someone? Focus on your cousin’s big day,” he says, and he hears how bad it sounds. But Regulus suddenly seems to brighten up as if he’s just come up with an idea. James is a little confused by the sudden change in mood.
“I’m flying alone, but I have an invitation with a plus one. My mum really wants me to go with someone, but I’m not seeing anyone right now,” he adds quietly, though James simply nods seriously, not seeing any reason to be embarrassed. “Do you maybe want to fly with me?” James begins to laugh, of course he think that he’s joking. But Black keeps a stone-cold face, and James realizes he’s being serious.
“What?” James needs to hear it again.
“I’m asking if you want to fly with me as my plus one, Potter,” Regulus repeats, slightly irritated by the question, but James isn’t really paying attention to that. He’s still processing what the younger Black just said.
“Why me?”
“Because I don’t have anyone else to take?” James suddenly remembers that Hestia Jones is going to be at the event. His ex-girlfriend, whom he’d love to contact, but that’s impossible now, since she blocked him everywhere after their somewhat turbulent breakup.
“That’s the most spontaneous idea I’ve ever heard from you,” James says, more because he can’t help thinking out loud.
“Does that mean you agree?” Regulus asks, hope in his voice, and for the first time, he looks at James without those sparks in his eyes that always flare up when he gets irritated.
James is aware of how stupid this idea is, but on the other hand, when has he ever turned down doing something crazy? Besides, it might be a good opportunity to get to know Regulus better and maybe even get closer to his ex. He nods, and Regulus smiles, so James feels proud of himself for managing to get him to smile after the morning incident.
“You’ll need to give me all the details and tell me more about your family,” he says, because that’ll probably help him fit in better at the event. Not that it’ll be too difficult, seeing as his friends will be there.
“And we’ll need to set some boundaries, since we’re pretending to be a couple,” Regulus adds, not noticing James’s expression because he’s hiding his face behind his tea mug. Going as a plus one is one thing, but pretending to be a couple is another. For James, it doesn’t really change much, but the problem is that they’ll have to lie to Regulus’s older brother too, and James isn’t ready to step into that world yet. “I need to go to work soon, so how about we meet tonight at a café? I’ll send you the address.” James has trouble saying no, so he knows it’s too late now. He’s going to be Regulus’s fake boyfriend, even though he doesn’t really understand why he couldn’t just go as a friend. Maybe he’ll ask him about that later.
“Sure,” Regulus replies, flashing his most convincing smile to hide the conflicting thoughts he has on the matter.
xxx
James arrives at the café Regulus picked just a few minutes before their scheduled time, yet he’s not the first to arrive. He spots the younger boy hunched over a book at a table in the far corner of the café. James involuntarily smiles at the sight and doesn’t waste time to quickly approach.
“Hey,” he greets, catching Regulus’s attention. Regulus offers him a hesitant smile before closing his novel and tucking it into his coat pocket just before James can read the title.
“I ordered you tea. I didn’t know if you liked coffee, and I had to buy something because the waiter was about to kick me out,” Regulus explains, a bit flustered, and James shakes his head to interrupt him.
“I don’t like coffee. Tea’s fine,” James reassures him. The uncertainty fades from Regulus’s face, replaced by some form of determination. James guesses that he probably wants to get through this conversation and return home soon. He can imagine that being a paramedic must be much tougher than studying, especially since James had already skipped a lecture today.
“Right, so first you should know, my cousin’s wedding is at our family estate by Lake Como. I’m sure Sirius mentioned it,” Regulus starts.
“He has, actually,” James confirms, though he wouldn’t call it merely mentioning; it’s more like constant chatter about it.
“Our parents are… specific? Don’t expect a warm welcome, especially if you’re introduced as my boyfriend. Try to behave decently,” Regulus warns, casting a quick glance at James. James understands, knowing that Regulus probably still remembers him as the reckless teenager he used to be. He seems like a different person now, but Regulus may not know that. “Uncle and the cousins are fine, but just know not to take Bella seriously. She likes to… cause a bit of a scare.”
“We’re leaving a few days before the event, right?” James asks, confirming, though he’s already aware, considering how long his friends will be away.
“Exactly two weeks. The flight’s this Friday,” Regulus confirms. “They need to believe us, so we’ll have to spend some time together, but I can show you around the area. Of course, if you want,” he adds, suddenly seeming shy about the offer. James, keen on strolling through charming Italian streets, reassures him with a smile.
“I’d love to. Don’t worry, I’m not that bad a company,” James quips, lightening the mood, and Regulus chuckles quietly in response.
For a while, Regulus continues talking about his family, and James makes an effort to remember the details, repeating facts and asking for confirmation. Regulus smiles, appreciating that James genuinely cares about not making any mistakes and avoiding upsetting his family, even though, inevitably, they’ll have to pretend they’re together for some time until they tell them that they’re broke up.
Honestly, James is a little excited about it. He’s still worried about how Sirius will react and even suggests telling him the truth, but Regulus firmly disagrees, insisting that his brother would be the first one to ruin their plan. James doesn’t like having to hide something from his best friend, but he knows Regulus has a point. They eventually agree that James will tell Lily, since Pandora already knows everything.
After two teas, they decide to head back to the apartment and move on to discussing the rules for their fake relationship. James thinks it’s unnecessary and that everything should happen spontaneously and naturally, but Regulus insists it’s crucial to establish some boundaries that are comfortable for both of them.
This time, they sit on the couch in James’s living room, with glasses of orange juice and sour gummies on the table. Not much of a spread, so James apologizes for only having that to offer. Regulus waves him off, telling him not to worry about it.
“Hand-holding is a must. That’s okay with you, right?” Regulus asks. James shakes his head, intrigued about where this will go. He can’t really think of anything that would make him uncomfortable, as any kind of touch feels familiar to him. “Maybe that’s enough?” Regulus says hesitantly, and James hears the unspoken suggestion in his voice.
“If you want to sell it to your brother, Remus would never buy it, and we have to remember that he’s Sirius’s boyfriend, so they’ll definitely talk about us. It’s up to you, but I don’t mind kissing cute guys,” James teases, winking, and Regulus turns even redder, realizing what he was stressing over asking.
“Good to know,” Regulus responds, clearly relieved to get an answer.
“Maybe we should practice?” James can’t resist flirting a little more just for fun. For him, it’s natural — he does this kind of playful banter with all his friends. “What do you think, Reg?” he says with a grin. Regulus throws a pillow at him, and James laughs, considering it a small victory seeing Regulus flustered.
“No one would believe I’d be interested in an idiot like you,” Regulus shoots back, and James is delighted by the response.
“Oh, really?! You wound my pride,” James says dramatically, clutching his chest. Regulus rolls his eyes, but there’s no sarcasm in the gesture, just simple amusement. James might think this plan is risky since they’re exposing their friends to potential betrayal, but maybe, just maybe, he can get Regulus to like him a bit more or at least stop treating him with such coldness.
“You’ll handle it, Potter.”
“James,” he corrects. “Don’t you think it’s a bit weird for my boyfriend to call me by my last name?”
“When we’re alone, you’re not my boyfriend, just so you know,” Regulus answers with equal energy, a hint of his usual sharpness.
“I get it, Reg, you have weird fetishes, but—”
“Shut up!” Regulus interrupts, half horrified, half laughing at James’s words. “That kind of joke is definitely banned,” he adds immediately, and James pretends to be highly offended.
“Spoilsport,” James mumbles, but Regulus ignores him, instead handing him his unlocked phone.
“Put your number in,” Regulus says. James nods and, after a few seconds, calls himself, saving Regulus’s number on his phone.
“We’ve got a week. We’ll need to go to a few places and take some pictures. You know, just in case anyone starts asking too many questions,” Regulus adds, and James is impressed that he thought of such a detail.
“Really? This is your first fake relationship? I never would have thought to take photos beforehand,” James remarks, impressed by the precision and thoughtfulness Regulus shows.
“I just think about what I’d notice if I suspected someone of faking a relationship and what details would give it away,” Regulus shrugs, and James can’t help but feel a little impressed by how smart and methodical he is.
They spend a bit more time together than necessary. Once all the details about their fake relationship are settled, the conversation drifts to other topics. They reminisce about their high school days, swapping stories about Sirius that would undoubtedly leave him shocked and annoyed. Surprisingly, neither of them minds the time spent together. It’s only when the darkness of night sets in that they realize it’s getting late, and it’s probably time to head to bed. Regulus says goodbye, expressing how glad he is that they live across from each other, sparing him the walk through the cold night.
As James lies in bed, he decides that he doesn’t regret agreeing to this spontaneous idea. He thinks about Hestia and his plan to make friends with Regulus. Nothing can go wrong, right?
xxx
Shopping is one of James’s least favorite activities, especially when he’s going with Lily. No offense to his friend, but he considers her one of the most indecisive people he knows. She can stand in the fitting room for ten minutes, debating the color of a sweater, and then call Remus, Pandora, and Mary to get their opinions. James really tries to be supportive, but it’s worth noting that looking at the same clothes four times is definitely not a habit most men have.
“Come on, Lils. I’ll buy you the navy one if you can’t decide on the color,” he finally says, groaning as he buries his face in his hands. The girl seems quite offended by the suggestion.
“I haven’t gone that far to tolerate consumerism,” she replies, and James is about to respond, but he stops when he sees her putting the burgundy sweater back on the rack. He’d rather not irritate her, so he decides to head for the checkout as quickly as possible.
He waits for the redhead at the exit and smiles involuntarily when she walks toward him, very happy with her purchase. His irritation and impatience from just a moment ago fade away instantly when he sees how delighted Evans is with the same sweater he was so frustrated by.
“So, what’s next? Now we need to pick a shirt for you,” he’d told her earlier that he was going to the wedding of Andromeda Black as her cousin’s plus-one. Lily was very excited and promised to help him pick out a shirt and a gift for the newlyweds. He may have purposely left out the part about pretending to be in a relationship because he knows she wouldn’t be so thrilled about it. He’s quietly hoping that Pandora warned her about this, but judging by her behavior, he figures she didn’t, and the worst is yet to come.
“Are you going to pay?” he jokes, trying to distract himself from his stress.
“You wish,” she rolls her eyes and says nothing more as they enter the men’s formalwear store.
“Good afternoon,” they both say at the same time, and the older woman gives them a smile.
“My dears, what are you looking for?” James’s heart always melts in interactions with kind, older people, so he gives the saleswoman a similarly polite expression.
“A shirt for this gentleman for a wedding,” Lily answers, patting James on the shoulder.
“Oh, you’re getting married? Congratulations!” They both chuckle at the misunderstanding. The redhead shakes her head.
“Neither of us is getting married. And definitely not to each other.” The older woman seems surprised but quickly regains her composure when Lily explains what they need. “We’re going to one and need a shirt for him.”
“I see,” the woman chuckles at her previous assumption and turns toward the large clothing rack behind the counter. “Young people are buying black now, that’s what’s in fashion, right?”
“Black will be fine,” James confirms her words, and she looks at him one more time, probably gauging what size would be best for him.
“This one should fit. It’s very classic, no frills.”
“We trust you. I’ll take two,” James says. The woman nods and starts counting the shirts.
He pays, and they leave the store with a paper bag and much better moods. Fortunately for James, the shopping is finally over, and they head toward the sushi bar, where they usually finish their trips to the mall. They order their favorite rolls, and after a few minutes, they sit at the table with their food. This is the perfect moment to tell Lily about the details of his role at the wedding in Italy, but stress wins out, and he decides to wait for the right moment.
“I wonder how many people think we’re a couple,” Lily starts, referring to the woman’s mistake in the shirt store. “I’d rather they didn’t, but I guess it’s kind of logical that some people think that way. It just annoys me a little that when people see a girl and a guy, their first thought is probably that we’re a couple.”
James doesn’t really care what people think of him, and right now, he’s more worried about something else.
“Speaking of relationship stuff, you’re not going to like what you hear next,” he gently starts the topic. Lily’s excitement only grows.
“Are you seeing someone? I want to meet them as soon as possible!”
“Actually, you already know them,” he grimaces, and Lily seems to be putting the pieces together. The realization on her face is one of shock.
“Mary Macdonald?!” she exclaims, causing a few heads to turn. Of course, her first guess is the only person in their group who’s also single. James laughs because he can’t imagine himself with Mary in any world. They’re just too different.
“Are you serious?!” she insists, seeming determined to guess, and things will only get worse when she finds out it’s a fake relationship with their friend’s brother.
“Regulus asked me to pretend to be his boyfriend at the wedding. We’re not actually together, and you’re the only one I’m telling this to,” he had predicted well, and he can already see from the expression on Lily’s face that she thinks this plan is incredibly stupid and unnecessary.
“James, do you know what you’ve agreed to?”
“I do,” he shrugs, not too worried because he only sees the problem with Sirius’s anger. Besides, this might even be helpful and fun.
“Sirius is going to flip when he finds out. What am I saying? He’ll get even angrier when he finds out you lied and pretended. But what if you accidentally blow it? You’re not even friends, you barely know each other,” she says, and there’s some truth in her reasoning. But James has a counter-argument for each of her points. Then, suddenly, Lily seems to think of something else, and she looks a little worried. “And besides, Peter and Caroline started dating the same way. They pretended to be in a relationship first. They were lucky it didn’t end with anyone’s heart broken. What will you do, James, if feelings get involved too? We know you get attached to people quickly.”
This surprises him, as he never considered that possibility. But he still doesn’t think it’s likely he’ll feel anything for Regulus, and he knows there’s no way Black will either, so he just shakes his head.
“I love you, Lils, for always worrying about everyone, but in this case, there’s really nothing to worry about. No one will find out, and after some time, we’ll say we broke up. The only real threat is Padfoot,” he flashes her a reassuring smile.
“Alright, I can’t stop you,” she says, and they don’t bring up the topic again for the rest of their time at the mall.
It’s only when they say goodbye later that evening that Lily turns back one last time, looking at James with a mix of concern and amusement.
“You know, if anything goes wrong, I’ll be the first person you come to for comfort,” she says, half-joking, half-serious. James just laughs in response, waving his hand as if he’s already sure everything will go according to plan. “Just remember, I warned you.”
Lily walks away, but James watches her for a moment, thinking about her words. Her last sentence echoes in his mind: “Remember, I warned you.” He knows Lily always sees risks where he sees adventure, but this time, something in her words sticks with him.