Arms Tonite
Sirius had also seen Elsbeth walk arm in arm with James and Regulus. “Does She know?” He asked Remus, trying to keep the accusation from his voice.
Remus studied the three of them. His keen eyes picking up more than most. “I doubt it. Regulus doesn’t share much. I’d say she’s taking advantage of James’s reputation to flirt with him without anyone commenting. I imagine being married to your brother is not a lot of fun.”
Sirius laughed. He was hurt that James and Remus hadn’t said anything. “Did either of them tell you what was going on?” he asked as they followed the others back down to ground level.
Remus hooked an arm over Sirius’s shoulder. “No love. They didn’t tell anyone. I worked it out by scent. Pandora knew because she’s, well, Pandora. Lily guessed and Pandora confirmed it.”
“Do you think they actually love each other or is it more a physical thing? I mean James is pretty hot and I can’t imagine Reggie getting much interest.”
Remus thought about it. His nose told him that physicality was a very big part of the relationship, but seeing the way they interacted when they thought no one was watching, how every look and touch was loaded with unspoken emotions. James most definitely was still in love with Regulus and he’d bet good money the feeling was reciprocated. “They did. I suspect they still do. But they’ve a lot to work through first.” He looked down at Sirius. “Including you.”
Sirius stopped. “Me? Why me? What about Elsbeth and Cindy?”
“Because neither want to hurt you.”
“Oh.” Sirius stared pensively at the door. “He still has a lot of explaining to do.”
Remus didn’t disagree. Whether or not it would happen was another matter. “Come on” he said instead “We have a celebration to attend. And I suspect it’s going to be the biggest one yet.” Sirius grinned. He loved a massive party.
———
It was close to midnight when James finally found himself alone for more than 30 seconds. The party had been going for a good couple of hours and he was having a blast. There were people everywhere. Both team songs had been sung more times than he could count. Definitely one of the best parties he had ever attended. The top floor of a local nightclub had been hired for the event so the party goers were able to move freely between the different areas - the inside bar with a dance floor, and an outside bar with scattered seating areas. James had retreated to a dark corner outside where he could stare at the stars for a moment or two. He’d seen Elsbeth and Regulus arrive but hadn't had a chance to talk to them yet. Lily, Pandora, Remus and Sirius knew better than to try to do more than wave on such crazy, happy nights. The players were celebrities and only the most determined fans got anywhere near them for the first few hours.
“Hey Reg.” James said softly, spotting the lone figure hiding in the shadows. “You okay?” He asked going to stand beside Regulus.
“Hey Jamie. Honestly?”
James nodded.
“I don’t know.”
The stood in silence staring down at the city while the party pulsed behind them. The streets were filled with revealers celebrating the win or commiserating the loss. The silence stretched. James knew he should be inside mingling. He hadn’t had a chance to say hello to his closest friends. Yet ….
“Reg. Why are you here?”
“You.”
“What do you want from me? How is tonight any different to last time? I’m not sure I can do that again.”
Regulus closed his eyes. He knew coming here had been a mistake. He felt a hand caress his arm.
“I need to go back inside. Can we talk in the morning?” James said, his voice tender.
Regulus opened his eyes and looked at James. James leant in and kissed him. Regulus started. He hadn’t expected it.
James withdrew, a little hurt. “I’m sorry. I forgot to ask.”
Regulus reached out and cupped James’s cheek. “Don’t stop.” He said.
James smiled, leant in and kissed Regulus again. This time Regulus kissed him back. It grew more intense. They moved closer to each other. He never wanted to stop. The world stood still.
“Do you two ever talk or do you just snog the whole time?” Sirius asked coming across them. “Also there’s a whole bunch people about to join us. In five four three two one.”
They moved apart.
“James.” “James.” “James.” “There you are.” Come back inside. It’s shot time,”
“Thank you.” Regulus said, looking at James and then Sirius.
Using Sirius for cover James swiftly kissed Regulus, “Tomorrow.” He whispered, then turned and moved into the light. “Alright alright I’m coming. Who am I up against?”
“Danika the Magnificent,”
“A decent challenger. Good choice.”
Sirius and Regulus watched him go. “Do you love him?”
“Yes,”
“How long?”
“When you introduced us. My first crush. And before you ask, he had no idea until after the war.”
“When? Why?”
“Fowey. Halloween. He kissed me. I think he was trying to work out how he felt. It confirmed how I did,”
“And?”
“And? We had a night in Fowey. We had three in Budapest after he saved my life and sanity. We had one in January. We had five in Fowey when we sent Willow and Tara home.”
Sirius stared at his brother. Anger and resentment warred in his chest and on his face. “Why? Why did you do it? To spite me? Because you wanted something that was mine?”
Regulus met the anger calmly, ruthlessly squashing his own anger and resentment. “I have spent the last decade protecting you. I have done everything you could not do so that you could have the life I could not. In that time I have spent less than two weeks with the man I love beyond all reason. How is that spiting you? You have wonderful friends who look out for you. A boyfriend who loves and adores you. Adopted parents who love and protect you. What … what do I have? People who hate and fear me. People who want only my money or title. Why can’t I have what you have too?” He said, fighting to keep all the rage and bitterness out of his voice. He had made his choices.
Sirius heard the undertones. He thought back over the years. When they were kids, Sirius constantly rebelled. They would both be punished. Regulus would try to talk their mother into reducing a punishment. Try to make deals that would appease her. If it was just Sirius being punished, Regulus would make sure Kreacher could and would deliver food or clothing or healing potions after he’d taught himself to make them. Regulus would always find a way to be there to comfort him. Just as Sirius would do his best to comfort Regulus. To heal what wounds he could. Then Sirius left. Went to live with a family who showed him what it meant to be a decent human and a good wizard. Found a friend who would hold him when he screamed and found safe outlets for his rebellious spirit.
“The nightmares are the worst.” Sirius said after a long moment. “Do you still have them?”
“Every night. You?”
“Not so much. Though some weeks are worse than others. Art and music help. Remus helps. So does James.” Sirius paused, taking in the hollow eyes and cheeks under Regulus’s glamour spell. “Every night? Is there anything that helps?”
“Sex. Sleeping potions. One gives me an extra couple of hours. The other is too addictive to be used long term.”
“Elsbeth helps?”
“Elsbeth has her own home. The house in Mayfair is mostly for show.”
“Who do you have sex with? How often?”
Regulus raised a brow but decided to answer the question anyway. “A random muggle maybe two or three times a year.”
“Of course. The great Lord Black can’t be seen to be gay.” Sirius snarked. “And James. What happens there?”
Regulus didn’t answer. That was the major question. Sirius waited.
“It’s up to him. He has always complied with my choices. I will comply with his.” Regulus finally said.
Sirius nodded. That was fair. Regulus had always been fair. Ruthless, immovable, selfish. Yet his own code of honour demanded fairness. ‘Rebellion comes in many forms’ Sirius thought.
“I’m sorry I hurt you Sirius. If you would rather I stayed away I will comply with that too.” Regulus said, though it hurt more than he was willing to acknowledge.
Sirius reached out to touch Regulus, then stopped, his hand hovering over the black clad arm. Regulus looked down then up again but said nothing. Sirius withdrew his hand. “Talk to James first. I do want you in my life. And with our parents in the grave where they should have been decades ago, you deserve a chance at happiness.” Sirius sighed. His anger had dissipated somewhat in the face of Regulus’s unexpected honesty. “Enough sorrow for now. There’s a party happening and I want to get fabulously drunk. Will you join us? I know parties are generally not your thing, but you’re welcome to. I’ll even allow you to flirt outrageously with my boyfriend and possibly even my best friend.”
Regulus couldn’t help but laugh. “I wasn’t going to. It’s far bigger and noisier than I like. But how can I refuse an offer like that?” Regulus held out a hand. “Brothers?” He asked.
Sirius took the hand and pulled Regulus in for a hug. “Always.” He said, feeling inordinately pleased when Regulus reluctantly hugged him back. “Let’s go party.”
And party they did. The look on James’s face when he noticed Regulus sitting with Remus and Sirius, made Sirius groan then laugh out loud. By this stage Sirius had managed to ply Regulus with enough alcohol, the younger man was actually flirting with a group of young women who had gathered around the trio.
Gathering a tray of drinks, James made his way over to the group. “Hey boys and girls. Anyone want shots?” He asked jovially, handing out the tiny glasses of firewhiskey. “One two three drink!” They all drank. “What are we talking about?”
“Lord Black was asking about which shows to attend over winter.” A petite blonde said smiling coyly at Regulus. “It turns out he is a big fan of theatre.”
“Really.” James grinned. “You are full of surprises Lord Black.”
“What about you James? Do you like the theatre?” Asked another woman, holding his gaze. “I’m Selvena by the way. We met at Cindy’s birthday a couple of months ago.”
“Hmm. You’re her second cousin once removed. Right?” James responded with a twinge of guilt. He had barely spoken to Cindy all night. “She’s on the dance floor with Aaron, Tamas and Charlotte if you’re interested. They said something about a dance off.,.”
The three young women looked at each other. Quidditch player of the match, wizarding royalty, a famous author and more famous artist. These guys were like the best. “Thanks we’re good,” the third woman said with a smile.
James shrugged. Ah well. “In that case I’ll leave you to it and go join the dance off.”
“Dance off?” Regulus asked, forcing himself to not react to the incredibly sexy smile James directed at him.
“Yep. It’s a competition. We take it in turns to do a series of moves and everyone else in the comp has to copy. The audience then judges who is the best and who gets eliminated. It's super fun.”
“This we’ve got to see. Last years was a complete debacle of dancing ” Sirius said, getting to his feet and pulling Remus up with him. “Come on Regulus. You too.”
Regulus looked from his brother to James and back again. He really didn’t trust his legs at the moment. Usually he paced himself better but for some reason his more sensible self preserving side had shut down in the onslaught of bonhomie which was Sirius determined to have a fabulous time. James thrust out a hand and before he had time to think, Regulus grasped it and felt himself being pulled to his feet. His eyes locked with James as he found himself standing so close they almost kissed. He desperately wanted that kiss. And from the look in the honey-brown eyes so did James. The world slowed until it was just the two of them. An almighty roar from the crowd brought them back to reality.
“It’s Dance-Off Time! Potential contestants come to the stage and take your places.”
“Shit!” James grinned, and still holding hands with Regulus made his way through the crowd, dragging an unsteady Regulus behind him. “Dorcas and Lily will look after you.” He said brightly when they reached the foot of the impromptu stage.
Regulus panicked. This was not what he’d bargained for. Slamming his walls up as high as they could go, he dropped into the imperious coldness that had kept him alive. Instantly his mind cleared and he focused on the people around him. The crowd was filled with anticipation. Lily gave him a reassuring smile. Dorcas ignored him.
A tall gorgeous blonde walked to the front of the stage. Cindy, Regulus realised, remembering her from that morning. This was going to be interesting. “We’ve had twenty names entered. Eight will be chosen. Everyone else gather around the stage and be prepared to vote. Tonight it’s elimination only. Last person standing wins. And remember we are looking for flare as well as accuracy.” She made a show of waving her wand at a large hat floating at her feet and caught four slips of paper. “Potter, McKinnon, Treloar and Cameron to represent England.” She did it again, this time gathering the slips from a floating clock. “Bene, Horvath, Szucs and Nagy to represent Hungary.”
The crowd roared again as the contestants mounted the stage and waved at the crowd. All eight were popular players. It was the grand final in a different form. Cindy grinned, letting the anticipation grow before holding the top of her wand to her mouth. “As we know these are some of the finest players in the world, but can they dance?”
“No.” “Yes.” “Rarely.” “Only in the kitchen.” Yelled people in the crowd.
“Has James improved?” Regulus yelled at Lily over the noise.
“Not at all. But with these things rhythm is sometimes a hindrance more than a help.” Lily answered.
“That’s why I never enter,” Sirius yelled from behind Regulus. “Too much rhythm.”
Remus gave a low laugh. “If you say so.”
“Starting in alphabetical order. Bene, Cameron, Horvarh, McKinnon, Nagy, Potter, Szucs, Treloar. Let the Dance-Off begin!!!!” Cindy yelled.
It was truly ridiculous. The crowd yelled and cheered and booed with gusto. The moves started simply and got more complex and hilarious as contestants were eliminated. Regulus found himself being carried along on the wave of exuberance, his walls dropping slightly as he realised no one cared about anything but the famous athletes being idiots on stage.
“And at the halfway mark our top four contestants are Bene, Cameron, Horvath and Potter.” Cindy paused and looked out at the crowd then back at the four contestants still standing on stage, draining glasses of liquid in an attempt to rehydrate. “Potter, I have absolutely no idea why you’re still here, but the crowd outweighs the emcee on this one. Bene you continue to be amazingly sexy on and off a broom. My money's on you again this year. Hovarth and Cameron? Could go either way. And often do!.” Cindy turned back to the laughing crowd. “Are we ready for the next round?” The crowd cheered. “Then let’s rock!”
Regulus took the glass Sirius handed him. “Having fun?” Sirius asked, relieved to see the mask relaxing again.
“This is by far the stupidest and funniest thing I have ever seen.” Regulus said, his walls crumbling and sides aching with laughter. “How the hell is Potter still up there? He’s got two left feet and barely managing to stay upright.”
“And yet he mimics every move perfectly. Have you noticed that when he improvises even his mistakes are turned into something flashy.” Remus chuckled. “He’s the ultimate show pony our Prongs. Imagine what it would be like if Pads was up there as well.”
Regulus laughed. Remus was right. Sirius and James loved the spotlight and made sure the spotlight loved them. Cindy stepped forward. The crowd grew hushed. “And now for the finale. Bene and Potter. Your final dance. Who will win? Only the crowd can determine that. On three…”
“Three!” Yelled the crowd. The music ramped up. Dan and James matched each other move for move. Every time Cindy stepped forward to call time the crowd yelled for more. The two dancers drank another tumbler of liquid and kept going. They were good friends and fierce competitors. And both wanted to win. With a wave of her wand at the DJ, the music stopped. The dancers froze. Then grinned.
“Alright everyone cast your vote. Those in favour of the brilliant Danika Bene say aye” Cindy yelled.
“AYE!”
“This in favour of the fabulous James Potter say my.”
“MY!”
“Bene Aye”
“AYE!”
“Potter My”
“MY!”
“Nope! Too close to call. I declare this year’s Dance-Off a draw.”
Another enormous cheer from the crowd.
“Well done everyone. Let’s PARTY!!!!”
Dan and James beamed and gave each other a huge hug before turning to Cindy who came up and hugged them both, lingering with James.
“Am I welcome to go back with you tonight?” She asked “or are we over?”
James tore his gaze away from Regulus who was laughing with Sirius and holding Lily in one arm. He met the suddenly serious hazel eyes with a guilty look.
“I’ll take that as a no.” Cindy smiled sadly. “It’s been fun knowing you James. See you round.” She kissed him lightly on the cheek and headed off the stage in search of her cousin and a new dance partner.
James watched her go for a moment before running and leaping off the stage, landing on Sirius. “That was sooo much fun!” He beamed from the floor.
“What? Breaking up with your girlfriend in public or dancing like a maniac, also in public?” Regulus asked as Remus pulled his friends back onto their feet, and kept one arm around Sirius.
“No. Not the Cindy bit. The dancing bit. I’m usually the first off. Even McKinnom beats me,” James laughed.
“Watch it boyo. The competition was pretty steep tonight.” Marlene laughed.
“Did you like it?” James looked at Regulus, face flushed with exertion and hope.
“It was …. Inspiring.” Regulus smirked. “I’m not sure I’d call it dancing. More like falling over your own feet gracelessly.”
“Oh you … you … you sod.” James stuttered, closing in on Regulus and Lily and kissing him hard on the mouth.
Regulid responded instantly, fuelled by the electric atmosphere, the alcohol flowing through him and the passion in James’s kiss. Lily extracted herself with a laugh.
Remus looked at Sirius who shrugged. “We had a talk earlier. This answers my question.” He said.
Dorcas watched with wide eyes. “You guys knew? Has James been sleeping with the enemy all this time?” She asked aghast.
“No. They haven’t seen each other for years.” Lily said.
“And Regulus has never been our enemy. We just didn’t know it at the time.” Sirius added.
“So what now? He’s your best friend?” Dorcas asked. She had never forgiven him.
Sirius shrugged. “No idea.” He watched James and Regulus who were completely lost in each other and added “That’s up to them.”
“I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m going back to my room. This party’s going to go all night, and I promised Pan I wouldn’t be too late.” Lily said “But first, can.we make sure they get a room before they get naked. Please. We don’t need the public seeing that.”
Sirius closed his eyes. That was not an image he needed right now. He jabbed James in the ribs. “Room. Now. For the love you bear me and all humanity, take my brother home with you and we’ll talk after lunch.”
James broke off the kiss with a laugh. He hadn’t felt this good in so so long. “Does that mean we have your blessing?”
“I never said that. But if you're not careful, the papers will be full of the scandalous sex scenes between the former quidditch great and the evil lord black.” Sirius said dryly.
Regulus nodded. It was a good point. “Your place or mine?” He asked.
“You’re staying in Paris?” James asked, trying work out why he was surprised.
“I have a lovely little apartment over on the muggle side of Montparnasse if you’d like to see it.” Regulus said, barely containing his laugh at the miraculous look he received.
“Your….. your wife?”
“My ex-wife has gone back to her own place with her lovers and friends. Remember?”
James grinned. “Let’s go. There’s a spot on the balcony set up so we can aparate if not too drunk. Are you drunk? I’m not sure about me.” He babbled.
“I’m not too drunk.” Regulus turned to Sirius as James pulled Lily and Remus into a deliriously happy hug. “Thank you.” Regulus said simply to Sirius. “Yes you can give me a hug.” He added resignedly.
Sirius did just that. “Look after him. I’m going to dance. Remus?”
Remus nodded to Regulus, who nodded back, before following his other half into the middle of the crowded dance floor.
“Shall we?” James held out a hand. Regulus took it with a smile. The rest of the world went mute.