“Regulus I swear to Merlin, you have to stop staring at him.” Barty said, waving his hand in front of Regulus' face. Regulus averted his eyes from James, who was happily talking to Sirius, and let out a sigh.
“What do you want me to do instead?” He asked, looking at his friend.
“Maybe... talk to him?” Barty said, laughing as Regulus groaned in response. “What do you want me to say? Just get over him?”
“I don't know,” Regulus hid his face in his hands. “I don't know...”
Barty sighed. “I think you should talk to him, I heard he isn't over you either.”
“I can't do that!” Regulus exclaimed, voice muffled by his hands.
“Yes you can, just go up to him and talk.” Barty gestured towards the Gryffindor table.
Regulus looked up. “I'm not doing that.”
“He might still be into you..” Barty suggested, shrugging.
“We don't know that.” Regulus said stubbornly.
“Not for sure... but-”
“No.” Regulus cut him off and Barty sighed.
“Then you have to get over him. You can't hang onto this if you don't even try talking to him.” He grabbed his bag and got up. “Come on, we've got potions.”
Regulus sighed, grabbing his bag as well.
♧
“You're staring again.” Barty said. Regulus averted his eyes. James had just entered the library with the other Marauders.
“I know,” He sighed.
“Talk to him.” Barty insisted.
“No.” Regulus replied. Barty rolled his eyes. Regulus could be so stubborn sometimes.
“Okay enough, you are going to talk to him.” Barty said as he caught Regulus staring again a few minutes later. He got up and dragged Regulus out of his seat.
“No-” Regulus protested helplessly.
“You don't get a choice, you are talking to him.” Barty pushed Regulus, and he stumbled towards the Marauder table. Of course, the Marauders all noticed and now there was no way back. Regulus glared at Barty, who gave him a thumbs up. He sighed before going up to the four boys who were now looking at him in confusion.
“Can I help you, brother dear?” Sirius asked.
“You can't, I'm afraid.” Regulus shook his head, trying to calm his nerves. He took a deep breath. “James, can I talk to you for a moment?”
“Of course,” James said. He was clearly surprised. Regulus dragged him in between the bookshelves, away from the prying eyes of his brother, Barty and his other friends.
“Everything alright? I must admit, I haven't got the faintest why you would want to talk to me.”
Regulus could see James was a little stressed because of the whole situation. “I'm sorry,” a sigh slipped from his lips. “This must come quite out of nowhere for you, but I just can't keep this to myself anymore.”
“What? What's wrong?” James asked, concern painting his features. Regulus closed his eyes and inhaled sharply.
“I am still in love with you. I can't help it. Every time I see you, I just wish we never broke up and it's just such a mess in my head. I tried getting over you multiple times but I just can't. I'm sorry. I can't get rid of my feelings.. I don't know why, I just- I can't get over you. And-”
“Wow, wow, slow down, Reg.” James interrupted him, placing a hand on his shoulder. He stared at Regulus for a few seconds, processing what he had been saying. “You still love me?”
“Yes and it's fine if you don't return my feelings, I just-” Regulus babbled on.
“As in, you like me, want to be with me, date me?” James interrupted again.
“Yes, I would like that if you still want me, but like I said-” Regulus stopped abruptly as James pushed him against the bookshelf and pressed their lips together. Regulus was in complete shock for a full second, before kissing him back just as passionately and putting his arms around James' neck. The kiss deepened and for a moment Regulus forgot everything around them. That was however, until a book fell on their heads and he pulled back, startled.
“That's what you get for snogging my brother, and you my best friend.” Sirius glared at James and Regulus. The latter rolled his eyes and James told Sirius to piss off, which he did, fortunately.
“Maybe we should talk some other time, I really need to study.” James smiled sheepishly.
“Yeah, me too.” Regulus blushed. “How about tonight?” He whispered.
“Astronomy tower?” James asked and he nodded.
“Yes,”
“Okay, midnight?”
“No.” Regulus said quickly. “I've got a test tomorrow…”
“Oh,” James nodded. “10pm?”
“We'll see if you can sneak past Filch, but I'll be there.” Regulus teased.
“Good.” James smiled.
They parted ways and went back to their friends. Barty had a shit eating grin on his face and if Regulus hadn't been so happy he would've hexed him for it. But he just couldn't be bothered right now.
“Had a snog with Potter, I heard.” Barty said, the smug grin not leaving his face.
“Piss off.” Is what Regulus answered, but the smile on his face only grew wider. He had indeed.
The sound of cheering, made both the Slytherins turn around. James was being patted on his back by Remus and Peter, who were cheering loudly and even Sirius seemed to congratulate him. Regulus smiled at the scene. They were such idiots sometimes.
“You should thank me, actually.” Barty said, which made Regulus look at him again. The youngest Black raised an eyebrow at him.
“For what? For pushing me towards his table and making me stumble?” He asked.
“Yes.” Barty nodded profusely. Regulus snorted.
“Thank you for being a pushy prat and almost making me fall on my face.” He retorted.
“You're welcome.” Barty answered and they both laughed.