Fly
James woke up feeling the best he had in a very long time. He certainly hadn’t been celibate over the past few years, but they had been fleeting romances or one night stands of mutual satisfaction and not much else. This one he was certain had the potential to stay the distance. He opened his eyes. Hmm. Empty. His questing hand detected a little warmth. ‘Probably in the kitchen.’ he thought with a happy smile and dropped back to sleep.
It was sometime later when James finally made it down to the kitchen. Willow and Tara were making breakfast, while a bleary eyed Sirius was hugging a large mug of strong black coffee and Remus read the local paper.
“And how is the world on this wonderful whatever day of the week it is?” said James, going over to make himself a cup of tea.
“Uh. Prongs. Turn the cheery down a bit. What has you so chipper this morning anyway?” Sirius said, looking up from his mug.
“Had a great night out with friends and a fabulous sleep. You’re looking a bit worse for wear though.” James grinned. “Where’s everyone else?”
“No idea. Not been up long. Uhhh. My head hurts. Turns out muggle whisky is just as potent as firewhisky.” Sirius said, closing his eyes.
Remus chuckled. “Told you to stop drinking or there would be consequences.”
“But you were still drinking. Can’t be out drunk by my boyfriend. Wouldn’t be right.”
“Isn’t your boyfriend a werewolf?” Willow asked, coming over with a mountain of hot buttered toast.
“Yep. Big and strong and sexy, and …”
“The constitution of a shifter.” Finished Remus, handing Sirius a piece of toast, before taking one for himself. “Here. Eat something. It might help.”
“How do you know about werewolves?” He asked Willow.
“Dated one for a few months. He was really sweet. Also a musician. It didn’t work out but we stayed friends and I get a postcard from time to time.” Willow said.
“Are there many packs in the US?” Remus asked, curious about how things could work outside the UK.
“I’ve no idea. Never looked into it. We were more about slaying vampires than wolves.”
“The Warchers might have more information. We can ask when we find them.” Tara added, putting down a plate of bacon.
“Please do. I’d love to know more about pack cultures in other countries.”
Their talk turned to more about the watchers and the adventures Willow and Tara had had as part of the Scooby Gang. In turn James and Sirius told tales of their school pranks and narrow misses against Voldemort's wizards. It was almost midday when James realized that he was yet to see Regulus. He felt his face break into an uncontrollable grin at the thought of taking him back to bed and waking up beside him tomorrow morning. He was still daydreaming about how he would make Regulus glow again when Lily and Pandora wandered into the kitchen.
“I’ve reached the conclusion you would all make excellent Hedge witches.” Pandora announced when she saw them all sitting around the wooden table with empty plates and mugs.
“Hedge whats?” Sirius asked, his head finally settling into an annoying background drone rather than the heavy thump it has been when he first emerged. “Don't suppose you’ve got a spare hangover potion?” He directed at Lily.
Lily took in his ashen face and dulled eyes. “Big night then?” She asked with slightly more volume than necessary.
Sirius winced and nodded. “Ended up drinking and jamming with the band after the pub closed. It was wicked fun but man can those guys drink. I think only Remus was still upright by the end.”
Remus grinned snugly. Sometimes being a half breed had its advantages. Sirius’s gaze drifted back to the kitchen door. “No Regulus this morning?” He asked not truly expecting him to appear but hopeful nonetheless. He was enjoying having his little brother around again.
“No. He’s gone home.” Pandora said, locking gazes with James who had gone an odd shade of pale brown at the statement.
Sirius grunted. “He might have said goodbye, but I’m not surprised he didn’t. Selfish prick.”
“What’s the plan for today?” Tara asked into the awkward silence which had fallen.
“Excellent question. Check out is tomorrow morning and I’d really like to see St Catherine’s castle during daylight hours. You know, the normal touristy way.” Lily said.
“I might… “ James started as Sirius and Pandora both said “Done. We’ll all go.”
“It will do us good to see the site as muggles do,” Pandora added.
Usually the first to jump on board any adventure, James agreed, but his heart wasn’t in it. ‘Why did Regulus leave? Did I accidentally say something I shouldn’t have? Does he not actually like me? Was I just a distraction? I thought he really liked me. I really like him, I really really like him.’ James thought, trying desperately to remember what conversation they had which may have led to Regulus disappearing so suddenly. The problem was, they hadn’t had a conversation. Some mild to outrageous flirting, a lot of inappropriate suggestions which resulted in some fabulous sex, an attempted apology, a genuine compliment, but no actual one on one conversation. So what had happened. Why had he gone? Why hadn’t he said goodbye? Why?
James’s thoughts continued to spiral as he got ready to go out and they headed for the coastal path which led to the castle. He kept catching Pandora’s concerned look, but refused to speak with her. She would only give vague answers or platitudes. And he didn’t want those. He wanted Regulus back. Walking beside him. Perhaps even smiling, not smirking, and with a laugh or two. Such little things. So much was left unsaid.
Despite the grey sky and rain filled clouds, the walk through town and along the cliff tops was very pleasant. Willow and Tara marveled at how different the landscape was from their home states. Sirius kept daring people to run down the cliff face to the beach. No one took him up in the challenge much to his disappointment. Even the woods leading to the fort seemed to be putting on a show for the tourists with chirping birds and the occasional squirrel coming by to say hello.
“Are there any Woodland Sprites in here?” James asked Pandora who had been walking with him since they’d entered the trees.
Pandora place a hand on a nearby tree and closed her eyes. “The tree says the sprites moved on during the last frost.” She answered
James frowned. If there weren’t any sprites anymore, then who, or what, had caused him to fall out of the tree. And talked to him. And …. ‘Oh you bloody sod’ he thought, a shiver running down his spine, as he narrowly avoided crashing into a tree. Now he knew why that barest of touches had set his skin aflame last night. He’d felt it before. Along with the light low laugh as he had sung with pleasure. ‘What the hell are you playing at Reg,’ he muttered, more confused than ever.
“Who's playing what?” Sirius asked pulling James out of his thoughts and away from another tree. “Where is your head today Prongs?”
“Uh? What? Oh too much booze last night. Did you ever get the potion from Lily?” James said, deflecting the question.
“Yep. Worked a treat. I think she had one more if you want it.”
James shook his head. “Nope. Too late for a potion.” He caught Pandora's gaze and gave her a sad smile. She tilted her head in acknowledgment. ‘She knows.’ He thought, though he didn’t think Regulus would have told her. But she knew in the way Pandora knew things no one else did.