Bright Water

James was getting ready to play with his band. They had a big concert ahead of them—or big for them, at least. There would probably only be around 150 people, but for Letters From London, that was enough to get their nerves going. James sang and played guitar with Marlene, who seemed more upbeat than usual. She stood next to him, finishing the last adjustments to her guitar, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Marlene, are you ready?" James asked, giving her an encouraging smile.

She took a deep breath and nodded. "As ready as I’ll ever be."

James nodded understandingly. "This is big. It’s going to be great, you know. She’ll love seeing you on stage."

Marlene smiled and pretended not to know what he was talking about. Her girlfriend was coming today.

The girlfriend—Dorcas Meadowes, Regulus’s actor friend—and Marlene hadn’t been open about it yet.

Marlene had asked them to keep it a secret because she didn’t want people to find out just yet.
No matter what, she would have their support!

Mary and Peter were sitting on a bench a little way off, talking quietly. Their conversation was subdued, and they kept to the background while the others got ready. The atmosphere among the band members was a mix of excitement and nervousness. Even though they had played together many times before, this moment felt different. There was a special energy in the air.

Remus had rushed over as soon as he got off work, so he was still wearing his white shirt and black vest. His arms were always covered in freckles, but in these summer times, there were more than usual. Sirius used to connect them into star constellations. Remus watched as Sirius struggled to apply eyeliner on himself. Sirius cursed quietly, trying to keep his hands steady so he wouldn’t mess it up further. Finally, he turned around and looked hopelessly at Remus. He approached the couch where Remus was sitting and handed him the eyeliner with a look of mixed doubt and expectation.

"Eyeliner?" Sirius asked.

Remus looked at him with a resigned smile. "Do it yourself."

Sirius shook his head and showed his freshly painted nails. "I can’t, my nails are still wet."

James watched the scene, wondering how Sirius could even consider going on stage with wet nails, but he said nothing.

Remus sighed and took the eyeliner from Sirius’s hand. Sirius squealed and sat down on Remus’s lap. Remus froze. It would be easier to apply the eyeliner this way, but James doubted it would make anything easier for Remus in this situation. Still, Remus began working with the eyeliner. He took Sirius’s face between his hands and carefully applied the liner around his eyes. Sirius sat still, and their gazes met several times. Remus’s precision showed how used to this he was.

"You’ve always been so good at this kind of thing, Moony," Sirius said softly, moving carefully so Remus could apply the eyeliner evenly.

Remus smiled slightly and focused on getting the line perfect. "I’ve had a lot of practice. Plus, it helps to have a good canvas."

Sirius’s eyes closed slightly, and he enjoyed the calm feeling that Remus’s presence always gave him. When Remus finished and tried to pull his hands away, Sirius suddenly grabbed them.

"Stop, your hands are so warm, don’t take them off my face," Sirius said, his voice low and almost pleading.

Remus froze again, shocked by Sirius’s words. James couldn’t help but curse at Sirius’s stupidity.

"Sirius..." Remus began, but Sirius looked at him with an intense gaze.

"I mean it," Sirius continued, "you make everything better just by being here.”

Marlene laughed quietly beside him. They both knew those two guys would stay like that until they had to go on stage. Two idiots in love: that’s what they are.

“If they haven’t done something about that by Christmas, I’m locking them in a closet until they’ve sorted it out!” Marlene had a smug grin on her face that said she would undoubtedly do it, and probably before Halloween. Finally, when everything was ready, and the stage lights began to shine through the heavy curtains, Marlene, Mary, and Peter stepped out in front of the audience. The lights shone down on them, and the audience’s cheers were energetic and encouraging. They were going to nail this. Sirius and James stayed back. They did that sometimes, waiting to go in until the lyrics started to build suspense. They stood there with their instruments, watching as the lights in the concert hall dimmed, and a wave of anticipation swept through the audience as Mary and Marlene stepped forward on stage. They exchanged a quick glance, their smiles wide and ready to deliver an unforgettable night. The audience cheered as they grabbed the microphones.

"Hello everyone! Are you ready to rock tonight?" Marlene shouted with infectious energy that immediately got the audience going.

"We are Letters From London, and we’ve been working hard to give you a night you won’t forget," added Mary with a mischievous smile, her fingers lightly resting on the keyboard in front of her.

"On drums, we have Peter, who can make any heart beat faster," she said, pointing to Peter, who waved his drumsticks.

"And on bass and vocals, the one and only Sirius, who will make you feel the music deep in your soul," Marlene continued.

"James, our amazing singer and guitarist, will lead us through this musical journey," Mary said with a teasing smile.

"And I’m on guitar," said Marlene, lifting her guitar in the air, "and Mary here on keyboards, ready to take you on a ride through our sound."

With that, Mary struck her keys, and the first notes from the keyboard filled the room. A soft melody quickly followed by Peter’s steady drumming and Sirius’s deep bass as he stepped onto the stage. Marlene jumped in with a powerful guitar line, and James grabbed the microphone and walked onto the stage.

"Let’s get this party started! This song is called ‘City Lights’ – and it’s for you!" he shouted before launching into the song, his voice filling the room with intensity and passion.

“In the shadow of the skyline, where dreams are made of steel,”

Sirius continued the lyrics, “I wander through the echoes, looking for what’s real.”

It was the perfect song to start with. The audience was instantly captivated, dancing, clapping, and letting themselves be swept away by the rhythms. The band played as a tight-knit unit, each note perfectly in place, but with a spontaneous energy that only came from their love for the music. The evening was officially underway, and Letters From London had truly made their entrance.

Peter’s drums began a familiar rhythm. This song was undoubtedly one of the best they had written—James had written—it was also the one the audience usually liked the most. James closed his eyes as Mary’s keyboard joined in last with the others. He began singing the song, his song. For it was truly his. Sirius only sang backup; the rest of the song he sang alone, and there was a reason for that. James had written ‘When the Dawn Breaks I’ll Be Someone New’ after a period where life had challenged him in ways he never expected. The song came to life when he realized that the confidence of youth wasn’t enough to handle the inevitable losses and disappointments of reality. He felt a need to reinvent himself, to find the strength to rise again and become a stronger, more resilient person. The song was his promise that no matter how dark it gets, he will always find a way forward and become "someone new." The first verse came easiest for him when his eyes were closed, and everything was shut out.

“Every door was closed, but I found a way through, with the weight of the world, I pushed on for you. We were kings and queens, riding high on a dream,” James moved forward with closed eyes, singing the last part.

“But we didn’t see the shadows creeping in the seams.”

He opened his eyes and looked out over the audience. The light in the hall was red, fitting the mood his friends were building with their instruments. He had set his guitar aside for this number. He smiled. Everything was good now. Everything was good! With that thought, he began the chorus.

“When the dawn breaks, I’ll be someone new, rising from the ashes, breaking through the blue. Fighting all the odds, like we always do, when the dawn breaks, I’ll be someone new.”

Everything was going well. James sang and sang. He sang through it all with a voice that didn’t waver in the slightest. As James reached the outro, the audience naturally parted. A gap was created, an opening, a passage. And in that passage, James suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd. Regulus. He stood there, in the middle of the crowd, and their eyes met instantly. Regulus, with his sharp features and black hair shining in the stage light, captured James’s attention completely. There was something in his gaze that made James unable to look away.

For a moment, James almost forgot where he was. He gripped the microphone with a new intensity, and his voice filled the room in a way that made even the most inattentive look up.

“When the dawn breaks, I’ll be someone new, rising from the ashes, breaking through the blue. Fighting all the odds, like we always do. When the dawn breaks, I’ll be someone new. When the dawn breaks, I’ll be someone new. When the dawn breaks, I’ll be someone new.” James sang with an intensity directed at Regulus. 

It was as if his grey eyes brought life to James' song. James looked at him, saw him, not the cold facade that had been put up. Because James had experienced his soft side, and that was the only one he would ever be able to see again.
Regulus looked away after a moment, but it was too late—James' mind was already captured by his presence.
The rest of the band also felt the change in James. They continued playing with a kind of magic, as if they were all connected through the music and the raw energy of the moment. When the song was over, James could still feel Regulus' gaze burning in the back of his mind. He didn't know what it meant, but he knew he had to find Regulus after the concert.

Regulus was still feeling the aftermath of the concert when Dorcas began to pull him toward the small backstage area along with Barty, Evan, and Pandora. She had made it very clear that he didn't need to come along. He had told her that he would do it for her and Marlene. That hadn't been the whole truth. For it wasn't just about supporting a friend for Regulus; it was also about watching James stand on a stage and sing with all his soul. No matter how much he tried to deny it, James hadn't disappointed him. Shortly after Dorcas had told them all about Marlene, Evan realized that they had gone to school with her. It irritated Regulus that he hadn't noticed it when he saw the name Marlene McKinnon. She had been a year ahead of them and had been one of Sirius’s friends. So, of the four of them (Barty, Pandora, Evan, and Regulus), it should have been Regulus who noticed it. After all, he was the one who knew the most about Sirius’s friend group. The noise from the concert still hung in the air, and the light from the stage, seeping in through the heavy curtains, cast faint flashes of color across the room.

Marlene was leaning against the wall, still with her guitar slung loosely over her shoulder. Her blonde hair was a bit tousled after the concert, and the pink tips caught the light in a way that almost made them glow. When her eyes met Dorcas’s, they were filled with a warmth that could ignite a fire. She approached them with an enthusiasm bubbling with happiness. She smiled and wrapped an arm around Dorcas’s waist, pulling her close.

“All right, everyone,” Dorcas announced a bit nervously. Regulus didn’t like that they were making her nervous. She deserved to be happy, and she shouldn’t doubt their support. “This is Marlene! Marlene, this is Evan, Barty, Pandora, and Regulus.”

Regulus gave her an approving nod as the others issued a small chorus of “hi” and “hello.” Pandora tried to start a conversation, but it quickly fizzled out. They all stood in awkward silence. It wasn’t like Barty to be quiet like that. He usually chatted away about everything under the sun, but now he was silent. Marlene, desperate to break the silence, turned to Regulus. She stared at him with a raised chin and a challenging glint in her eye, and Regulus wasn’t quite sure how to react. But he was Regulus Black, and he had no intention of letting a simple girl take control. So he held her gaze, with a haughty expression on his face.

“You’re Dorcas’s best friend,” Marlene said. How clever she was.

“Good, now you know who will break all your bones if you break Dorcas’s heart.”

Dorcas gasped. “Reg! Don’t threaten her.”

Regulus shrugged, still fixated on Marlene. “It’s not a threat,” he replied calmly. “It’s a promise.” His voice was flat, but there was a seriousness behind the words that made Marlene’s smile falter for a moment.

However, Marlene wasn’t easily scared. Her smile quickly returned, crooked and confident. “I don’t intend to hurt her,” she said with a confidence that revealed she wasn’t a stranger to such confrontations. “But it’s good to know where we stand.”

Marlene cast a quick glance at Dorcas, seeing her relief that she wasn’t too upset by Regulus’s remark. “He seems to have your back. I like him. It’s funny to see how people react when you challenge them a bit.”

Dorcas chuckled softly and shook her head.

Marlene turned her gaze back to Regulus.

“Well, now I know you’re not easily intimidated,” she said with a smile that was both crooked and welcoming. “That’s a good start. I’m glad you’re willing to get to know me, even though I might not fit into your comfort zone.”

Regulus couldn’t help but smile a little. “So, it seems we both like a challenge. I must admit, you’re quite brave for someone who’s only just been introduced to me.”

Marlene laughed. “And you seem like someone who’s pretty good at keeping people on their toes. That must be a useful skill to have. What else do you do when you’re not standing around threatening people with broken bones?”

Regulus raised an eyebrow and thought for a moment before replying. “Well, I usually avoid having boring conversations, so I have a rule that I only engage in conversations where you can get a free trial course in stand-up comedy. It’s a good way to keep things interesting.”

Marlene laughed, and Regulus found her reaction to be a funny and refreshing contrast to his own expectations.

“I like your approach,” Marlene said with a smile. “Maybe you should consider taking your rule to the next level and start your own comedy club. I would definitely stop by.”

Regulus laughed and nodded. “Maybe I should. Or maybe I should just figure out how to avoid boring conversations with you. That could be a fun challenge.”

Marlene laughed again, and the atmosphere became lighter. It was clear that she had a knack for making people feel comfortable and relaxed, and Regulus found himself in a better mood.

Barty, who was known for his wild personality, chimed in with a crooked smile.

“So, Marlene, how was it playing in front of such a large audience? I have to admit, I’m a bit curious about what it feels like to be on stage with so much energy.”

Marlene laughed and sat down next to Barty. “It’s a very special feeling. You can almost feel the energy of the audience, and it gives you such an adrenaline rush. But it also requires a lot of preparation and focus. What about you? What do you do in your free time?”

Pandora, who had become a bit nervous over the earlier awkward silence, spoke up. “I’m a designer myself, so I spend a lot of time experimenting. Otherwise, we usually hang out together and come up with crazy things. What about you, Marlene? What do you do when you’re not on stage?”

Marlene smiled. “I love making music, but I also have a passion for painting. It’s my way of relaxing. I find it very calming to paint with Sirius, our bassist.”

Regulus froze at the sound of his brother’s name, but no one noticed, and the conversation continued.

Barty, who always had a comment ready, looked at Marlene with a gleam in his eye. 

“Painting? I like it. I imagine your paintings must be as colorful as your hair.”

Marlene laughed. “You’re right. I like to use a lot of colors and create something that really grabs people’s attention. What about you, Barty? What’s your hidden talent?”

Barty laughed. “Hidden talent? I’m actually a master at baking cookies. It’s not something you’d necessarily expect, but I make the best cookies.”

Evan, who had been listening with interest, added, “I think it would be fun to organize a baking competition one day. Barty, I think you could face some competition.”

Marlene turned to Regulus, who was still standing a little apart. There was something in her gaze that revealed… something. She met his eyes directly, without wavering, and Regulus couldn’t help but notice the warmth and humor she radiated. In his thoughts, he acknowledged her ability to stand up for herself and the energy she brought to the conversation.

“What about you, Regulus? What do you do when you’re not hanging out with your friends? I’ve heard you’re a bit of a loner.”

Regulus raised his eyebrows but let a small smile break through. “I have my own interests. It’s not always easy to find time for social gatherings.”

Marlene smiled warmly. “It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. I can understand why you might not always have time to be social. But it’s good to see you here tonight. It means something.”

Regulus’ gaze softened a bit. He appreciated that Marlene wasn’t intimidated by his reserved nature. There was something refreshing about her genuine demeanor that he found hard to resist. He could sense that her energy was something he could respect, even if he was inclined to keep his distance.

“I must admit, it’s not every day I meet someone who’s so open. It’s… refreshing.”

Marlene nodded and looked at the others. “So, now that we’ve all learned a bit about each other, what do you say we meet up with the rest of the band? It would be fun to get the whole group together and maybe grab a drink or two.”

Pandora and Evan nodded eagerly. “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea,” Pandora said. “It would be fun to get to know the band better.”

Barty clapped his hands. “Let’s do it! I’m up for a good evening.”

Regulus didn’t want to. Meeting the band meant seeing Sirius, and that was not something he was ready for. Facing Sirius face-to-face required preparation. He exchanged a knowing look with Dorcas and then said, “I’ll stay here.” He didn’t need to say more, as the others understood him. The reunion of the Black brothers was not to happen tonight, and they respected his choice. Marlene nodded understandingly. “Okay, Regulus. That’s perfectly fine. If you change your mind, you know where to find us.”

With that, Marlene and the others began to leave, while Regulus stayed behind. He watched their disappearing figures. Although he disagreed with her choice of friends—friend—he had to admit that she had a rare kind of courage and charm. Regulus took a deep breath and decided to use the time alone to reflect on how he would handle the rest of the evening. He knew that Marlene would come back to him afterward (Dorcas hadn’t asked yet, but she would as soon as they returned). Regulus settled into one of the sofas and closed his eyes, letting out a long sigh. Watching James play and sing had definitely affected him. The way he sang with his soul made Regulus’s stomach churn. If only—

“Regulus!” a cheerful voice called.

His eyes flew open again.

James Fleamont Potter.

He stood in the doorway the others had disappeared through, with tousled hair and red cheeks. A big grin was plastered on his face. A ridiculously handsome face. Why did he always smile like that?

“Ah, I’ve been looking for you since the concert ended! Marlene said you were out here. I’m glad to see you.” James’s voice was filled with genuine joy, and his smile seemed like a beam of light trying to break through Regulus’s coldness.

Marlene. Maybe Regulus should reconsider if he actually liked her.

Regulus rolled his eyes and tried to appear indifferent. “I’m here to support the two,” he said coldly, making it clear that he wasn’t there to see James. “Not because I necessarily wanted to be here.”

James laughed and walked over to him with a beaming smile. “So you’re saying you’re here out of duty? You know, you could have done it in a more fun way. What if I promise to entertain you instead?” He sat down next to Regulus on the sofa and leaned in a bit closer, so Regulus couldn’t help but feel the warmth of his presence.

Regulus looked at James with a skeptical gaze. “And how do you plan to do that? Tell jokes or something like that?”

James shook his head. “Oh, I don’t necessarily have a plan, but I’ve always had a knack for coming up with something that makes people smile. Or laugh. Or both.”

Regulus raised an eyebrow and leaned back on the sofa. “So, is that your way of being charming? I must admit, I’m a bit disappointed. I was expecting something more than just words.”

James’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he leaned forward. “Call it a challenge, then. If I can’t make you smile, I’ll buy you a drink next time we meet.”

Regulus looked at James with a mix of suspicion and irritation. He wanted 100% James far, far away. “And what if I’m not interested in being entertained?”

James laughed and looked at Regulus with a flirtatious gaze. “Then maybe it’s time you figure out why you’re even here. Is it really just for Dorcas and Marlene, or is there something more?”

A wave of panic hit Regulus. Dorcas hadn’t figured him out, so why did James? Why was James even talking to him? Regulus hadn’t been in contact with his brother for a year, and the same went for James. He had watched a few of their concerts, but he hadn’t spoken to James in three years. Regulus tried to remain cold and sarcastic. “Maybe you should stop psychoanalyzing me. I’m here because I chose to be. I don’t need your speculation.”

James seemed to find Regulus’s reaction entertaining. “You can be as ice-cold as you want, but I have a feeling you actually enjoy the company.” He laughed smoothly and looked Regulus in the eyes. His chocolate-brown eyes stared directly into Regulus’s soul. Beyond the coldness, beyond the facade, beyond the hatred. He saw right through it all.

Regulus felt his face grow warm, and he could feel a heat spreading to his cheeks and down his neck. The red color was obvious against his pale skin. Regulus tried to hide his reaction, but James’s smile only grew wider.

“What are you smiling about?” Regulus said sharply, trying to compose himself.

James’s smile became even more flirtatious. “You actually look pretty cute when you’re embarrassed. I think I’ve hit a nerve.”

Regulus seriously needed to pull himself together! He couldn’t continue like this. James was just a silly boy trying to tease him. He had probably arranged this with Sirius.

Yay, should we tease my little brother now that he’s here?

Yeah, Pads, that sounds like a brilliant idea!

Regulus could clearly see the scenario in his mind, and just the thought made him angry. Who did James think he was? He might be attractive (and Regulus had had a few breakdowns over his godliness), but that didn’t mean he could get away with whatever this was about.

“Fuck off, Potter!” Regulus snarled in a tone most wouldn’t dare to defy.

James hummed a cheerful, bright tone. “I think I’ll stay here. I’m enjoying the company, at least.”

Regulus needed to get out of here. Immediately. He quickly stood up from the sofa and felt the strong absence of James’s warmth. He had the same body temperature as a radiator.

“I don’t think I have anything else to say right now.” He began to walk toward the door as James’s laughter filled the room, and Regulus couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed by his reaction. James’s charming nature had struck something he wasn’t quite ready to confront.

As Regulus left the room, he could hear James shout after him, “I’ll see you later, Regulus! And watch out, I’ll be looking for your next reaction!”

James had gone crazy. Was he flirting with Regulus? What was wrong with him? Marlene had said that Reg was in the backstage room, and he had just acted. Maybe Sirius’s impulsiveness had rubbed off on him. Regulus had clearly wanted to be anywhere but in the same room as James, but he hadn’t rejected James as he otherwise would have expected. Regulus couldn’t fucking stand James. He was always so cold and controlled. It drove James crazy. No one—no one—was so unapproachable. It was impossible! And then there was Regulus; an angel in flesh and blood, ready to disprove that theory. He was so arrogant, polished, untouched, composed, cool, perfect. Perfect. James really couldn’t help how he had reacted. That’s just how James was. If he liked someone, he flirted with them, and if they rejected him, he respected their choice. James just had a feeling that he wouldn’t respect Regulus’s rejection. He also had a feeling that there wouldn’t be any rejectiona. Regulus hadn’t accepted, but approved James’s attempt to talk. He had responded to James when he said something, so it wasn’t a rejection. If James were to be honest, that was progress. And then there was the fact that Regulus had blushed. He had actually blushed over James’s words, and it was the sweetest thing James had ever seen. The pink color spreading across his high cheekbones, his pale skin, and down Regulus’s perfect neck. James had wanted to find a camera and capture that moment and make it immortal. Capture that perfect hue that Regulus was desperately trying to hide. James was proud. He was proud that he had been the cause of such a wonderful thing. He loved the fact that he could make Regulus feel that way. It wouldn’t be the last time. But there was still the problem, as James would call it; the overprotective big brother who wouldn’t admit he was overprotective (aka Sirius).

He absolutely wouldn’t like James’s little conversation with his baby brother. Sirius would make it more complicated for James to see Reg, but James loved challenges. He would see Regulus again, and it should be soon. That’s how James operated. He would seek out Regulus until he had him wrapped around his little finger. James was still sitting in the soft sofa where Regulus had left him when Sirius walked in. He paced back and forth in the room, looking like he was searching for something. Someone. He looked frustrated, as if he could snap in half at any moment. It pained James deeply in his heart. Seeing his brother like this reminded him of the time when Sirius was still in that terrible house. James had worked hard to get him out of there and then to bring Sirius back together. But now, standing in front of James and looking so helpless, he was reminded of a time when Sirius wasn’t always laughing and the life of the party. No, James saw a little boy who was starving for a loving family.

“He was here,” Sirius’s voice was so low that it was almost impossible to hear him. “Did you know?”

James swallowed the lump he had had in his throat since he saw Sirius’s vulnerable face. He looked down at his hands and nodded slowly. James, the coward he was, didn’t dare to lift his gaze for fear that Sirius would see right through him.

“Prongs,” there was a sharp undertone in Sirius’s voice. “Marlene said he was here in the backstage room.”

It wouldn’t help to lie to Sirius; he knew perfectly when James was lying.

“He was.”

Sirius let out an irritated groan. “And you were just here all the time? Were you just sitting and having a nice conversation over a cup of tea?” James didn’t respond, but that was enough of an answer for Sirius.

“Prongs,” Sirius walked over to him and sat down on the sofa. “When did he leave?” His voice cracked at the last word. Just don’t start crying! Don’t start crying!

“Five minutes ago,” James whispered.

Sirius stood up in pure frustration. “And you didn’t think to tell me? Were you just waiting for me to find out that you were having secret meetings together?” angry Sirius was better than hurt Sirius.

James sighed. Deeply. “Pads, he was only here for five minutes. We talked briefly, he—”

“You talked! James, you know how I feel about him.”

Fuck, how complicated it would be to seek out Regulus when Sirius reacted so strongly to the fact that they even talked.

“Let me finish my sentence. We talked briefly, but he had to leave. He’s apparently friends with Marlene’s girlfriend, and they were supposed to meet her today. He wasn’t here for more than five minutes, okay?”

Sirius sighed and let James pull him into a warm hug. “Okay,” he mumbled against James’s neck. “But if he comes another time, then get me. I’d like to… see him, I think.” James hugged his back. Poor guy. He was filled with a mix of anger and concern when it came to his little brother. “I know. He’s still your brother after all. Sirius, let’s go home again.” And with that, they left the room.